Orthogonal Shuttle Conveyor for High-Bay Warehouse Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-bay warehouses face inefficiencies in sequencing and retrieval processes, requiring extensive rearrangement and additional space for handling storage objects at different horizontal levels, which increases cycle time and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an orthogonal shuttle conveyor system that buffers storage objects transversely to the exit movement path, allowing for sequential retrieval and storage without additional level changes, using a bridge to intersect exit paths and minimize space, enabling flexible and rapid storage and retrieval operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage objects are accessed at different horizontal levels using conventional conveyors, then storage capacity is increased, but space requirements and cycle time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal conveyor movement to vertical lifting device movement for accessing storage objects at different levels. The lifting device moves vertically along the rack rows to access storage locations at multiple heights, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal conveyor paths and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining storage capacity.
2Manufacturing precision
If storage objects are rearranged extensively for sequencing, then retrieval sequence accuracy is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sequencing actions by buffering storage objects at intermediate buffer positions before final retrieval. The lifting device can position objects in buffer locations in advance, allowing the output conveyor to retrieve them in the desired sequence without requiring extensive rearrangement during the main retrieval operation, thus reducing cycle time while maintaining sequence accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional conveyors and equipment are added for sequencing operations, then sequencing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transport storage objects horizontally between rack rows, move objects vertically to different storage levels, and position objects in buffer locations for sequencing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sequencing equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining sequencing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If buffer positions are added next to exits, then sequencing flexibility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer positions are integrated into the existing warehouse structure by placing them adjacent to exits along the rack rows. The lifting device utilizes the vertical space and existing structural elements to create buffer positions that are nested within the overall warehouse layout, providing sequencing flexibility without requiring significant additional floor space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A high-bay warehouse has several storage locations (10) that can be filled with storage objects. The storage locations are situated in several rack rows (14, 16, 18), with at least one retrieval path (x) arranged between two rack rows (14, 16, 18). At least one exit (y) is arranged perpendicular to the retrieval path (x). At least one lifting device (20) is provided for conveying at least one storage object that can be stored at a storage location (10) in the high-bay warehouse along the retrieval path (x) to the exit (y).By arranging storage locations as a buffer point (11) for storage objects next to the exit (y), accessible from the exit (y), into which storage objects can be inserted and removed by the at least one lifting device transversely to the exit movement path (x), by providing at least one conveying means for relocating the at least one storage object (12) along the exit (y), and by providing at least one conveying aid attached to the conveying means for selectively picking at least one of the storage objects located on the buffer point (11) transversely to the exit and in sequenced order, the cycle time of a storage system is improved with the least possible effort, whereby at least two storage objects are removed simultaneously in order to generate a freely selectable sequence of the unit goods.This is implemented according to procedure through appropriate steps, so that the stored objects are already conveyed from the high-bay warehouse in sequenced order.