Overhead-Access Tray Storage for Compact Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for elongate items like pipes and rods are inefficient, taking up significant space and making access difficult due to their rigid structure, especially when heavy items require handling.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with trays or racks that can be compactly arranged, allowing easy access from above and maintaining horizontal or vertical orientation through linkage systems and guides, using actuators to move between storage and access positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid rack or shelf system is used to store elongate items, then the items can be stored, but the device takes up considerable space and is not able to be compacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rack structure movable rather than fixed. The rack can be repositioned along a vertical guide using a hoist mechanism, allowing it to move between a storage position (retracted) and an access position (extended). This dynamic configuration enables the system to compact its footprint when not in use while maintaining full storage capacity, directly resolving the contradiction between storage reliability and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by allowing the rack to be retracted into a compact configuration within the vertical guide structure. When not in use, the rack nests within the guide assembly, minimizing the space occupied. The elongate items stored on the rack can also be vertically stacked in a nested arrangement, further optimizing space utilization while maintaining storage capability.
2Reliability
If a rigid rack system is used to store elongate items, then the items can be stored, but access to individual items is difficult and requires heavy equipment like forklifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the rack to move vertically along the guide and extend outward to an access position. This movement brings individual items within easy reach of operators at ground level, eliminating the need for heavy equipment like forklifts. The hoist mechanism provides controlled, precise positioning that facilitates safe and easy access to stored items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hoist mechanism as an intermediary device between the stored items and the operators. The hoist acts as a mediator that can lift and position individual elongate items or the entire rack, making heavy items accessible without requiring operators to manually handle them or use large forklifts. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between storage capacity and ease of access.
3Ease of operation
If the guide track permanently extends outwardly to allow access, then items can be accessed, but the configuration takes up considerable space and cannot be compacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the guide track and rack structure movable rather than permanently fixed in an extended position. The guide can be repositioned along the vertical axis, and the rack can be extended or retracted as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to provide full accessibility when required while compacting to a minimal footprint during storage, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by utilizing vertical movement along the guide track to provide access, rather than requiring horizontal extension of the guide. The rack moves in the vertical dimension to bring items within reach, allowing the horizontal footprint to remain compact. This dimensional approach enables accessibility without permanently occupying excessive horizontal space.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10, 60) for storage of elongate elements, such as pipes, tubes and conduits. The apparatus (10, 60) includes a frame (12) that supports a plurality of trays (15, 63). The trays (15, 63) are arranged in two vertical columns of storage positions, except for the trays located at the top or bottom of the apparatus as they are moved about sprockets (71, 72) by a drive motor(73). Each tray (15, 63) is configured to support a plurality of elongate items. The trays(15,63), which may be embodied as cradles or racks, may be moved between a storage position and an access position, wherein, in the access position, the elongate items can be accessed from substantially vertically above the tray (15,63).