Multi-Trolley Storage Grid Layout for Port Congestion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face congestion issues at ports, which are exacerbated by the increasing demand for larger storage grids, as the number of storage containers scales with volume but the available space for ports scales with surface area, leading to inefficiencies and increased infrastructure costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a multi-trolley vehicle system with non-motorized and motorized components that transport storage containers between storage columns and a deployment area, utilizing a rail system with transfer zones and port access vehicles to optimize container movement and reduce congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the storage grid size is increased to meet growing storage demand, then storage capacity is improved, but port congestion worsens because the number of containers scales with volume while port space scales only with surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing multiple levels (at least two levels) for container storage and transfer. Instead of expanding ports horizontally at ground level, the system stacks transfer zones vertically, allowing containers to be transferred at different heights. This dimensional transition resolves the contradiction by enabling storage capacity to scale with volume while maintaining port throughput through multi-level parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the port operation into multiple independent levels, with each level having its own transfer zone and container handling capabilities. This segmentation allows simultaneous container transfers at different vertical levels, effectively multiplying the throughput capacity without requiring proportional increases in ground-level port space.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-level container handling is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but interference between container handling vehicles and transfer operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves interference between container handling vehicles and transfer operations by separating them in the vertical dimension. Container handling vehicles operate at ground level while transfer zones are positioned at elevated levels. This vertical separation eliminates operational interference while enabling parallel container transfers, thereby increasing throughput without significantly complicating the overall system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system that includes a rail system that includes a first set of parallel tracks, arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks, arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction; a plurality of storage columns located beneath the rail system, each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening, wherein stacks of storage containers can be arranged in the storage columns; and a trolley for transporting the storage containers between the storage columns and at least one deployment area. The first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell including a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of track. The trolley is movable in a horizontal plane above or below the rail system. The deployment area provides direct access to an area outside the grid pattern formed by the first and second sets of tracks. The trolley provides a container volume for storing at least one of the storage containers. The trolley includes moving devices allowing movement of the trolley in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.