Shelving System With Movable Segments For Automated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated storage systems for small items, such as pharmaceutical packs, are inflexible, inefficient, and poorly utilize space due to bulky handling devices and the need for extensive structural modifications, leading to slow retrieval times and process uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with movable cabinet segments and a piece goods transport device equipped with a horizontal and vertical guide, allowing for precise positioning and independent movement in the Cartesian system, enabling flexible storage and retrieval of small items from both sides of the cabinet segments without the need for extensive structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a gripping device is arranged between shelves to remove and place items, then automated storage and retrieval is enabled, but the device becomes bulky and requires extensive structural modifications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the gripping device between shelves as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the gripping device at the front of the shelving unit. The shelves are designed to be movable on guides, allowing them to present items to the gripping device at the front, thereby eliminating the need for complex structural modifications between shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by making the shelves movable rather than fixed. The shelves can be moved along horizontal and vertical guides to present items to the gripping device, enabling automated operation without requiring a bulky fixed gripping mechanism between rigid shelves.
2Quantity of substance
If shelves are extended in height and depth to increase storage capacity, then more items can be stored, but the handling device becomes too bulky and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit is divided into multiple independent shelves that can move separately on guides. This segmentation allows each shelf to be controlled individually, preventing the handling device from becoming bulky while maintaining high storage capacity through vertical and horizontal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional flexibility by enabling shelves to move not only horizontally but also vertically along guides. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the system to accommodate large storage capacities without requiring an oversized handling device, as shelves can be positioned precisely at any height or horizontal location.
3Measurement precision
If a suction gripper with movable suction head and lateral gripping jaws is used, then precise item handling is achieved, but the device requires considerable structural effort and space
Solution Approach 1:
The shelves serve themselves by moving automatically on guides to present items to the gripping device. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for a complex, space-consuming active gripping system with multiple movable components, as the passive shelves do the work of positioning items for retrieval.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system (1) has multiple cabinet segments (6) and a packaged good transport device (12) having forward and backward moving strainer (5), which is equipped with a hook element. The packaged good transport device has non-lateral grip elements for the placement or receiving of the small packaged goods (13) in or out of the cabinet segments. An independent claim is also included for a method for automated storage of small packaged goods.