Method and apparatus for distributing and storing serially produced articles in multiple storage units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bagged ice storage systems in supermarkets suffer from inefficient use of space due to bags stacking in a pyramid formation, leading to low capacity utilization and requiring manual refilling, which is labor-intensive and poses safety concerns during high demand periods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that evenly distributes bagged ice into multiple storage compartments using a main storage unit and satellite units connected via a dividing wall with a transport and distribution assembly, allowing controlled discharge of bags into available spaces based on detected availability, ensuring uniform stack heights and maximizing storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bags are dispensed into a single storage compartment, then the dispensing process is simple, but the storage capacity utilization is low due to pyramid stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple compartments (main storage compartment and satellite storage compartments) to distribute the bag stacking problem across separate spaces. This segmentation allows each compartment to be filled more efficiently while maintaining overall high capacity utilization, resolving the contradiction between simple dispensing and storage capacity.
2Volume of stationary object
If manual refilling is performed to maintain storage capacity, then storage capacity can be maintained, but labor costs and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic distribution where the dispensing mechanism autonomously transfers bags from the main storage compartment to satellite compartments based on detected space availability. This self-service mechanism maintains storage capacity without requiring manual intervention, eliminating labor costs and safety risks associated with manual refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect space availability in storage compartments and automatically adjusts the distribution of bags accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal storage capacity utilization while eliminating the need for manual monitoring and refilling operations.
3Ease of operation
If bags are stacked in a pyramid formation, then bags are easily dispensed from the top, but the storage compartment cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the storage system into multiple compartments, the patent enables bags to be distributed across different spaces rather than forming a single pyramid. This segmentation maintains easy dispensing from each compartment while significantly increasing overall storage capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial distribution across multiple compartments (adding a dimensional aspect to storage) rather than vertical pyramid stacking. This dimensional change allows horizontal distribution of bags, maximizing the use of available storage volume while maintaining dispensing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.