Automated Rack Cleaning in Pharmaceutical Storage Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems for pharmaceutical packaging face contamination issues due to dust and micro-abrasion, requiring manual cleaning that is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and poses safety risks, especially when high-bay racking is involved.
Innovation Solution
A device with a gripping mechanism that integrates a cleaning agent, such as an electrostatic duster, which is managed by the system to perform cleaning operations without shutting down, ensuring minimal disruption by prioritizing cleaning during low-demand periods or relocating goods for cleaning, and using the storage and retrieval machine to handle the cleaning agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is performed on automated storage and retrieval systems, then cleaning can be carried out, but the system must be shut down and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is integrated into the automated storage and retrieval system, allowing the system to clean itself without external intervention. The cleaning device is controlled by the system's control unit and operates autonomously to maintain storage locations, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations that would require system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage and retrieval machine performs multiple functions: it not only stores and retrieves goods but also operates a cleaning device to clean storage locations. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain both operational capability and cleanliness without requiring separate manual cleaning operations that would necessitate shutdown.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is performed on high-bay racking systems, then cleaning can be carried out, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is operated automatically by the storage and retrieval system, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations. The control unit automatically controls the cleaning device to clean storage locations, including those in high-bay racking that would be difficult to reach manually, thereby reducing both labor intensity and cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced by an automated cleaning device integrated into the storage and retrieval system. The cleaning device uses mechanical means to clean storage locations automatically, substituting the need for manual labor and significantly reducing the time and effort required for cleaning operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the system is shut down for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed safely, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cleaning operations autonomously without requiring shutdown, maintaining continuous operation. The control unit manages the cleaning device to clean storage locations while the system remains operational, ensuring both safety and productivity are maintained simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is integrated into the continuous operation of the storage and retrieval system. The cleaning device operates during system hours without requiring shutdown, allowing cleaning to be performed continuously alongside normal storage and retrieval operations, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring safety.
4Ease of manufacture
If cleaning personnel access high shelves, then cleaning can be performed, but safety risks and equipment damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is operated automatically by the storage and retrieval system, eliminating the need for human access to high shelves. The control unit automatically controls the cleaning device to reach and clean storage locations at various heights, removing the safety risks and damage risks associated with manual access to high shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical access and cleaning process is replaced by an automated cleaning device with mechanical means to reach high shelves. The cleaning device uses extendable mechanisms to access storage locations that would be difficult or dangerous to reach manually, substituting human presence with automated mechanical systems that eliminate safety and damage risks.
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
Enables efficient, automated cleaning of storage facilities with reduced downtime and safety risks, maintaining system efficiency and flexibility in handling various geometries of goods, while eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a gripping mechanism that integrates a cleaning agent, such as an electrostatic duster
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A device for storing and retrieving goods (6), in particular pharmaceutical packages, has at least one staging area where the goods (6) are provided, at least one rack (2) with storage places for storing the goods (6) and a storage and retrieval machine (8) for accessing the staging area and the storage places, wherein the storage and retrieval machine (8) includes at least one receiving device for receiving one or more of the goods, and a cleaning device with cleaning agents (10) automated by a control system for cleaning the device and/or the goods.