Outrigger Positioning for Heavy Article Storage Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transfer devices face challenges in accurately positioning rails for heavy articles, leading to potential carriage travel issues and damage, especially when the accuracy of positioning mechanisms is not secured, resulting in non-uniformity and inclination of rails.
Innovation Solution
The article storage device employs outriggers that extend and retract to engage with storage racks, using first and second engagement portions to position the cage and carriage, allowing for easy alignment and smooth transfer of heavy articles, with guide rollers capable of contacting and separating from masts to facilitate positioning without being held by them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning pins are used to position the lifting table with respect to the warehouse, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the positioning mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from a complex multi-pin mechanism and implements it through a single outrigger that extends to engage with engagement portions on the storage rack. This simplifies the positioning mechanism while maintaining accuracy by removing unnecessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The outrigger acts as an intermediary element between the cage and the storage rack, providing a simple yet effective positioning interface. The engagement portions on the storage rack and the outrigger form a straightforward positioning system that avoids the complexity of multiple pins and cylinders.
2Measurement precision
If multiple positioning points are used to ensure accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two simple components: the outrigger extension mechanism and the engagement portions on the storage rack. This segmentation allows for easy operation through automatic extension and engagement, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The outrigger automatically extends and engages with the engagement portions on the storage rack without requiring manual intervention. The system performs its own positioning function through the extension mechanism, making operation simple and automatic.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cage is held by guide rollers contacting the masts during positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but the ease of positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the guide rollers and mast contact mechanism from the positioning system. Instead of using the masts for positioning, the system uses the outrigger to engage directly with the storage rack, eliminating the intermediate guide roller component and simplifying the positioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the fixed masts to guide and hold the cage during positioning, the system inverts the approach by using the movable outrigger to actively engage with the storage rack. This reversal makes the positioning process more direct and easier to control.
Data Source
AI summary
The article storage device (1) includes a warehouse (2) including racks (21) to store articles (A), a cage (4) suspended from a crane (3) so as to go up and down, and a carriage (5) disposed on the cage (4). The cage (4) includes outriggers (6) capable of extending and retracting to the racks (21) and of being engaged with the racks (21). The racks (21) each include first engagement portions (7) disposed at portions with which the outriggers (6) are engaged, and a second engagement portion (8) disposed adjacent to one first engagement portion (7) in an extending and retracting direction of the outriggers (6). The second engagement portion (8) is capable of positioning one outrigger (6). One outrigger (6) is engaged with the second engagement portion (8) disposed in a side to which the carriage (5) travels, and the other outriggers (6) are engaged with the first engagement portions (7).