Nested 3D Storage Cells for Spatial Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies due to the requirement of uniformly sized containers, leading to issues with storing large items, wasting space with small items, and increasing retrieval and resupply times as system size grows.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage unit with nesting capabilities, subdividing cells into subcells of varying sizes and shapes to accommodate parcels of different dimensions, and using a processor to manage shuffling operations for efficient storage, retrieval, and resupply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniformly sized containers are used in the 3D lattice structure, then automated storage and retrieval can be achieved with minimal space, but large items cannot be stored and small items waste space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing smaller containers inside larger containers within the same storage slot. This allows the system to accommodate items of varying sizes efficiently - small items go in small containers that can be nested within larger containers, eliminating wasted space while maintaining the automated storage and retrieval functionality of the 3D lattice structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple container sizes (small, medium, large containers) that can be used individually or combined. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different item sizes by selecting appropriate container combinations, thereby improving versatility without sacrificing space efficiency
2Productivity
If uniformly sized containers are used, then the system structure remains simple, but retrieval time increases exponentially as system size grows
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting smaller containers within larger ones, the system reduces the number of individual containers that need to be accessed and moved during retrieval operations. This hierarchical organization allows for faster retrieval by enabling direct access to nested containers without requiring the system to manipulate every container in the path, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity
3Productivity
If uniformly sized containers are used, then resupply operations are straightforward, but resupply time increases exponentially as system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nesting structure enables efficient resupply by allowing resuppliers to add containers to the system in a hierarchical manner. Small containers can be nested within existing larger containers or placed in dedicated resupply zones, and the system can automatically organize them into the optimal nested configuration. This reduces resupply time by enabling batch operations and reducing the number of individual placement operations required
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for storing, organizing, and presenting parcels in a storage unit are provided. The storage unit may be subdivided into a number of cells, and the contents of each cell can be shuffled similar to a sliding box puzzle to store, organize or deliver a particular parcel to a desired location in the storage unit. The cells may be further subdivided into sub-cells, which themselves can be shuffled, allowing a user to maximize spacial efficiency by matching parcels to cells or sub-cells of similar sizes and/or shapes. The storage unit may be equipped with a processor to manage shuffling operations, permissions to access certain cells and/or sub-cells, and keep track of the contents of each cell and/or sub-cell.