Overhead Rack Transport Layout for Stable Storage Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage arrangements require elaborate programming and positioning of transport vehicles to move racks without causing them to tip or fall, and are inefficient due to the need for clear ground surfaces, which can be compromised by objects or liquids, and manual placement of items in circulating racks.

Innovation Solution

A storage arrangement with a movable rack and a movement device positioned above the rack receiving space, allowing for secure and flexible transport by engaging with the rack in an upper region, avoiding subsurface obstacles and enabling iterative sorting and high flexibility in rack placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If transport vehicles lift racks from below, then racks can be moved, but elaborate programming and positioning is required to prevent racks from falling over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack transport operationVSAvoidprogramming and positioning control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of lifting racks from below as in conventional transport vehicles, the movement device lifts racks from above using a lifting unit that engages with the upper region of the rack. This inverted approach eliminates the need for complex positioning and programming to prevent tipping, as the rack is stabilized during lifting from the top rather than the bottom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

A lifting unit acts as an intermediary between the movement device and the rack. This lifting unit includes a lifting geometry that engages with the rack's receiving geometry to provide stable support during transport, eliminating the need for complex control systems required when lifting from below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If transport vehicles travel on the ground, then racks can be transported, but the ground must be free of objects and liquids to prevent tipping and loss of traction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack transport stabilityVSAvoidsubsurface objects and liquids

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting action is moved from the horizontal ground plane to the vertical dimension by lifting racks from above. This dimensional change allows the movement device to operate independently of ground conditions, as the lifting unit engages with the upper region of the rack rather than requiring contact with the ground surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If racks are manually placed into circulating racks, then storage can be achieved, but the process is time- and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack loading efficiencyVSAvoidmanual placement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movement device automatically performs the loading and unloading of racks without manual intervention. The lifting unit engages with the rack's receiving geometry and automatically positions racks within the rack receiving space, eliminating the time-consuming manual placement process while maintaining storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11840169B2Storage arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 JUNGHEINRICH AG

AI summary

A storage arrangement that includes a rack receiving space; and a movement space. The rack receiving space includes at least One movable rack and the movement space may contain a movement device that interacts with the at least one rack. The movement space is arranged above the rack receiving space in a direction of gravity, and the movement device is releasably engaged with the at least one rack.