Multi-Depth Storage Shuttle with Segmented Load Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated shuttles in storage racks face inefficiencies when retrieving objects from multiple depths, as they must move objects from one depth to an open reserve location before accessing objects behind them, leading to increased movement and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle system with a load bed and multiple load arms that allows for the retrieval and manipulation of objects from multiple depths, enabling the first object to be placed back in its storage location while the second object remains on the shuttle, thereby optimizing storage space and reducing unnecessary movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If automated shuttles use multiple-depth storage locations to maximize storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but retrieval complexity increases as objects must be moved from first depth to reserve location before accessing second depth
Solution Approach 1:
The storage location is segmented into multiple depths (first depth and second depth), allowing independent access to objects at different depths. The shuttle is also segmented with multiple load arms (first load arm, second load arm, third load arm) that can independently engage objects at different depths, enabling simultaneous retrieval without requiring sequential movement to reserve locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-depth to multi-depth storage, adding a depth dimension to the storage architecture. This allows objects to be stacked vertically at different depths within the same storage location, effectively increasing storage capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint, while the multi-arm shuttle design enables independent access to each depth level.
2Ease of operation
If automated shuttles move objects from first depth to reserve location before retrieving second depth objects, then access to deep-stored objects is enabled, but shuttle movement distance and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle is divided into multiple independent load arms (first, second, and third load arms) that can simultaneously engage and retrieve objects from different depths. This segmentation eliminates the need for sequential movement to reserve locations, as each load arm can independently access its target depth and retrieve objects in parallel, significantly reducing total retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-load-arm configuration enables continuous useful action by allowing the shuttle to retrieve multiple objects from different depths simultaneously in a single traversal cycle. Instead of moving to a reserve location, releasing an object, and then continuing to the target object, the system maintains continuous retrieval action across multiple depths, eliminating idle movement and release cycles.
3Device complexity
If automated shuttles are sized to match single object dimensions, then shuttle simplicity is maintained, but storage space utilization decreases when multiple objects are stored at same location
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle structure is segmented into multiple load arms (first, second, and third load arms) that can independently engage and transport objects. This segmentation allows the shuttle to handle multiple objects simultaneously without requiring a complete redesign of the basic shuttle architecture, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling multi-object capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each load arm on the shuttle is designed with universal functionality to engage and transport objects of standard dimensions. The load arms can independently perform retrieval operations at different depths, making the shuttle multi-functional capable of handling various retrieval scenarios (single object, multiple objects, objects at different depths) without requiring multiple specialized shuttle types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated apparatus are provided for retrieving an object from a multi-depth object storage. The method includes retrieving, via a shuttle, at least a first object from a first depth of a storage location and a second object from a second depth of the storage location. The first depth is less than the second depth, such that the first object positioned at the first depth interferes with retrieval of the second object positioned at the second depth. The method also includes manipulating the first object and the second object, such that the first object is positioned to be disposed into the storage location while the second object remains disposed on the shuttle. The method further includes disposing the first object into the storage location while the second object remains on the shuttle. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.