Multi-Floor Bin Storage Layout With Autonomous Cross-Floor Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) face challenges in efficiently storing and retrieving items in a flexible and efficient manner, particularly in multi-floor environments, with a demand for improved item storage efficiency and picking work efficiency in expanding electronic commerce markets.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system featuring a multi-floor structure with storage bins and autonomous vehicles that can transport bins across multiple floors using vertical elevators, allowing flexible design and enhanced storage density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional automated storage and retrieval systems are used, then item storage efficiency can be improved, but the system lacks flexibility in design and has high complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage structure into modular components: storage bins with legs that can be independently positioned, autonomous vehicles that operate independently, and multi-floor structures that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows flexible design while maintaining high storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension by using multi-floor storage structures with elevators, allowing the system to expand vertically rather than only horizontally. This adds design flexibility while increasing storage capacity and efficiency.
2Productivity
If complex transportation mechanisms are used to move storage bins, then retrieval efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Autonomous vehicles are equipped with navigation and control systems that enable them to independently transport storage bins to designated locations. This self-service capability improves retrieval efficiency while avoiding the need for complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveyor systems with autonomous vehicles that use sensors, processors, and automated navigation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving retrieval efficiency.
3Device complexity
If storage bins are placed directly on floors, then structure simplicity increases, but volume utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Storage bins are designed with legs that elevate them above the floor, creating dynamic spacing that allows autonomous vehicles to move underneath. This dynamic configuration improves volume utilization while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
By elevating storage bins on legs, the system utilizes the vertical space underneath the bins for vehicle movement. This dimensional change improves overall volume utilization without complicating the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an automated storage and retrieval system. The system comprises a multi-floor storage structure defined with a storage space in each floor of the multi-floor storage structure. The system includes a plurality of storage bins arranged in the storage space and is configured to store inventory. Further, there is at least one autonomous vehicle configured to move under and transport the at least one storage bin of the plurality of storage bins and is configured to transport the plurality of storage bins within each floor and across multiple floors of the multi-floor storage structure.