Storage system with movable platforms and internal electrical power distribution system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems with movable platforms lack an efficient internal electrical power distribution system to supply power to electrical devices, limiting the types of items that can be stored and their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a loop-shaped electrical power distribution system comprising distribution terminals and electrical bridging assemblies that follow the movement of platforms, ensuring continuous power supply through slip rings and power electronic converters for various electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable platforms are used to maximize vertical storage space and minimize footprint, then storage efficiency is improved, but providing electrical power to the platforms becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection system consisting of contactless power transfer components. The primary side includes a power source and controller, while the secondary side includes a movable platform with electrical devices. Power is transferred wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling between the stationary primary coil and the moving secondary coil, eliminating the need for complex wired connections to movable platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical connections (wires, plugs, and contacts) with a contactless electromagnetic power transfer system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of routing wires to moving platforms while maintaining reliable power delivery to electrical devices on the movable platforms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power is supplied to movable platforms to increase flexibility of stored items, then functionality is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution to multiple movable platforms. It receives signals from the power source and coordinates the electromagnetic coupling between primary and secondary coils, enabling flexible power delivery to various platforms without requiring complex manual wiring for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transfer system provides universal power delivery capability to any movable platform within the system. The same primary coil and controller can serve multiple different platforms with various electrical devices (lighting, heating, cooling, etc.), eliminating the need for platform-specific wiring configurations.
3Reliability
If traditional wired power distribution is used for movable platforms, then power supply is reliable, but the movement and repositioning of platforms is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wire connections with electromagnetic field-based power transfer. The secondary coil on the movable platform can move freely within the storage system while maintaining wireless electromagnetic coupling with the primary coil, ensuring both power reliability and movement flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transfer system is inherently dynamic, allowing the movable platform to change position, speed, and orientation while power is being transferred. The electromagnetic coupling automatically adjusts to maintain effective power delivery during platform movement, unlike fixed wired connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible storage and operation of electrical devices on movable platforms by providing uninterrupted power supply, enhancing the versatility and functionality of the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical power distribution system for providing electrical power for the electrical devices on the platforms
Implementation Method 2
the electrical bridging assemblies comprise slip rings mounted to the carrier and forming the respective second terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system with platforms for storing items, which are movable along a prescribed path, features an internal electrical power distribution system for supplying electrical power at each of the movable platforms to operate electrical devices, such as refrigerators or chargers. The power distribution system comprises a set of distribution terminals electrically connected to an external electrical power source, such as mains power, which extend along respective paths which follow the prescribed path of movement of the platforms. Further, the distribution system comprises a plurality of electrical bridging assemblies respectively bridging between the platforms and the distribution terminals. The electrical bridging assemblies are mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platforms and connected in movable electrical contact with the distribution terminals.