Tray Storage Robots With Movable Hooks for Lower-Tray Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse storage systems are limited to picking one bin at a time, requiring removal of upper bins to access lower ones, increasing time and causing robot movement difficulties, and are prone to system failures and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a mobile support and movable elements that slide vertically around bins, using hooks or fingers to grasp and lift stacks of bins, ensuring stable equilibrium and non-equilibrium positions for efficient and reliable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a platform suspended by cables with gripping clips is used to pick bins, then the bin can be gripped by its upper part, but only one bin can be sampled at a time and accessing lower bins requires removing upper bins one by one
Solution Approach 1:
The bin stack is segmented into multiple groups by the robot arms, which can independently grasp different bins or groups of bins. This allows simultaneous handling of multiple bins at different heights without requiring sequential removal of upper bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arms are dynamically positioned to reach different heights and angles, allowing them to grasp bins at various positions in the stack simultaneously. The arms can adjust their positions to access lower bins without removing upper bins.
2Productivity
If a frame or arms with claws are used to grasp bins from under other bins, then multiple bins can be lifted in one movement, but the frame height must correspond to the maximum stack height
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed-height frame, the invention uses multiple robot arms with adjustable lengths and positions. Each arm can independently reach the required height to grasp bins at different levels, eliminating the need for a frame as tall as the maximum bin stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The single frame structure is segmented into multiple independent robot arms. Each arm can be positioned at different heights and angles, allowing them to grasp bins at various levels without requiring a unified frame height equal to the maximum stack.
3Extent of automation
If hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical control systems are used for grippers, then automated gripping is achieved, but system failures require intervention and disruption of the storage facility
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arms use their own structural mechanics and control systems to perform gripping operations without requiring external hydraulic or pneumatic infrastructure. This self-contained approach reduces points of failure and eliminates the need for complex control systems that require maintenance and intervention.
4Extent of automation
If hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical control systems are used for grippers, then automated gripping is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires significant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arms incorporate integrated control systems that are part of the arm structure itself, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic or pneumatic control systems. This integration simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining full automation capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for automatically storing and retrieving products, comprising: - a tray storage unit comprising a plurality of storage columns which are arranged along a grid and are configured to receive a vertical stack of trays, and - at least one robot comprising means for gripping and lifting at least one tray, the means comprising a movable support configured so as to be able to slide vertically around the trays. According to the invention, the gripping and lifting means comprise at least one hook pivotably mounted with respect to the support or a finger translatably guided in a horizontal slide cooperating with one or more return springs, the trays being provided with at least one tab which has a substantially downward-facing slot for locking the hook and a substantially upward-facing inclined portion for pushing the free end of the hook or of the finger towards the outside of the tray when the support moves downwards.