Automated Panel Warehouse Vertical Stacking and Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warehouses for panels are inefficient due to the need for manual handling, which slows down operations, occupies excessive space, and makes it difficult for operators to quickly locate and extract specific panels without moving multiple panels.
Innovation Solution
An automated warehouse system with sensor-equipped gripping robots that can move panels vertically and horizontally between shelves, using a supporting frame with guides and adjustable shelves to maximize vertical space, allowing direct insertion into processing lines and easy operator visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If panels are stacked horizontally on the floor of the warehouse, then storage capacity is maximized, but extraction speed decreases and ground surface occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal stacking on the floor to vertical stacking on shelves mounted on walls. This dimensional change allows panels to be stored in the vertical space, thereby increasing extraction speed while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the warehouse into multiple levels by introducing shelves at different heights. This segmentation allows panels to be stored in separate vertical compartments, enabling faster extraction without moving other panels while maintaining overall storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If panels are stacked horizontally on the floor, then storage capacity is maximized, but the area occupied by the warehouse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting shelves on walls instead of occupying horizontal space on the floor. This allows the warehouse to store panels vertically, thereby reducing ground surface occupancy while maintaining storage capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If panels are stacked horizontally, then storage is simple, but operator visibility and location of specific panels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges panels vertically on shelves at different heights, which improves operator visibility and allows for easier location and identification of specific panels compared to horizontal stacking on the floor.
4Ease of operation
If a movable gripping unit is used to extract panels from horizontal stacks, then panel extraction is possible, but operational time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel stack vertically so that the required panel is always accessible at the top of the vertical stack. This eliminates the need for time-consuming operations to move upper panels, thereby reducing extraction operational time while maintaining ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables rapid and efficient extraction and insertion of panels, reducing operational time and space usage while ensuring easy panel visibility and minimizing panel movement.
Implementation Method 1
sensor means may be of the optical type, such as a video camera, infrared sensors and the like
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Described is an automated warehouse system (1) for panels (P), comprising a supporting frame (2), having one or more shelves (24') on which said panels (P) can be arranged in stacks (S), wherein said shelves (24') are arranged with respect to a set of Cartesian axes (X, Y, Z) along a first axis (X), parallel to the ground, and along a second axis (Y), perpendicular to said first axis (X) and also parallel to the ground, and a griping and moving unit (3) configured to take or release a panel (P) from or onto said shelves (24'), characterized in that it comprises main guide means (22, 23), arranged along or parallel to said first axis (X), and in that said gripping and moving unit (3) comprises a supporting frame (31), slidably coupled with said main guide means (22, 23) of said supporting frame (2), further guide means (321, 322) and at least one gripping robot (34), movable on said further guide means (321, 322) of said supporting frame (31), wherein said further guide means (321, 322) are oriented parallel to a third axis (Z) of said set of Cartesian axes (X, Y, Z), perpendicular to said first (X) and second (Y) axis, and wherein said main guide means (22, 23) and said further guide means (321, 322) are oriented so as to allow said gripping robot (34) to take or release at least one panel (P) from or onto said shelves (24'). The invention also relates to a plant for processing panels (P).