Multi-Apparatus Shelf Retrieval Layout for High-Rack Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo-to-person systems face stability issues due to high vertical frames, while shuttle vehicle rack systems occupy excessive space and incur high costs, making them unsuitable for high shelves.

Innovation Solution

A cargo storing and retrieval system with multiple cargo retrieval and placing apparatuses that move along transverse rails, allowing for efficient retrieval and placement across multiple layers with reduced vertical height and space occupancy, utilizing a temporary storage assembly for improved efficiency and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a cargo-to-person system with a high vertical frame is used to meet high shelf requirements, then the system can access higher storage layers, but the operation stability of the fork mechanism deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical frame heightVSAvoidoperation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the high shelf into multiple storage units, each served by a dedicated cargo retrieval and placing apparatus. Each apparatus operates within a limited vertical range rather than spanning the entire shelf height, which maintains operational stability while enabling access to all storage layers through coordinated segmentation of the retrieval task across multiple apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If a shuttle vehicle rack system with lifting layer-changing mechanism is used to meet high shelf requirements, then the system can access higher storage layers, but the space occupancy and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf height coverageVSAvoidspace occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo retrieval and placing apparatus moves along the surface of the shelf in horizontal directions (front-to-back and left-to-right) rather than using vertical lifting mechanisms. This dimensional shift allows the system to access high storage layers by traversing horizontally to the appropriate storage unit, eliminating the need for complex vertical lifting infrastructure and reducing overall space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4667388A1Goods storage and retrieval system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHITECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4667388A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4667388A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4667388A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a cargo storing and retrieval system. The cargo storing and retrieval system includes a shelf (1) and a plurality of cargo retrieval and placing apparatus (2). The shelf (1) has a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of rows of storage spaces (12) disposed in a vertical direction. Each row of storage spaces (12) includes a plurality of storage positions (121) disposed side by side. The storage unit is provided with at least two cargo retrieval and placing apparatuses (2). A cargo retrieval and placing apparatus (2) is a main cargo retrieval and placing apparatus (2a) corresponding to a main retrieval and placing region. All two main retrieval and placing regions are disposed sequentially from top to bottom and jointly cover all the storage spaces (12) of the storage unit. Two adjacent main retrieval and placing regions overlap to cover at least one row of storage spaces (12) to form a first common retrieval and placing region (122). The main cargo retrieval and placing apparatus (2a) is able to move along a surface of the shelf (1) to retrieve and place a cargo (5) that is at a storage position (121) and is in a main retrieval and placing region corresponding to the main cargo retrieval and placing apparatus (2a).