Multi-Position Lift Balancing Storage Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilevel storage and retrieval systems face challenges in balancing throughput across different levels, leading to inefficiencies in goods transfer and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
The automated storage and retrieval system employs a configuration with in-feed and out-feed transfer stations, vertical lift modules, storage structure with multiple levels, and autonomous rovers, controlled by a central system to optimize storage and retrieval transactions across levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional lifts are used for goods transfer between storage levels, then vertical transportation is achieved, but throughput is limited due to unbalanced transfer rates between levels
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is divided into multiple independently operable sections, each with its own lift module. This segmentation allows each section to operate autonomously, balancing the throughput across different levels without requiring complex centralized coordination, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-position lifts to multi-position lift modules that can service multiple storage levels. This dimensional change in the lift's operational capability allows simultaneous goods transfer to and from multiple levels, balancing throughput rates and improving overall system productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If multilevel storage structure is implemented, then storage capacity is increased, but retrieval efficiency decreases due to unbalanced transfer rates
Solution Approach 1:
The lift modules are designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing the system to adapt the number and position of service levels based on retrieval patterns. This dynamic adjustment optimizes retrieval efficiency while maintaining high storage capacity, as the system can prioritize access to frequently retrieved items without compromising overall storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in operational parameters such as the number of service levels per lift module and the assignment of storage locations to different levels. By adjusting these parameters, the system balances storage capacity with retrieval efficiency, ensuring that high-capacity storage does not lead to inefficient retrieval operations.
3Productivity
If traditional goods transfer systems are used, then simple system configuration is maintained, but throughput is limited by unbalanced transfer rates between storage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The lift modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can service multiple storage levels and handle both incoming and outgoing goods. This universality improves goods transfer rates by eliminating the need for dedicated lifts for each level, while the standardized design actually simplifies operation compared to complex multi-lift configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and balance the transfer rates between different storage levels. This feedback control ensures that throughput is optimized across the entire system, preventing bottlenecks at any single level while maintaining manageable operational complexity through automated rate balancing.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.