Pivoting Load Receiver for Narrow-Aisle Shelf Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf storage systems with narrow shelf aisles hinder the movement of load receivers due to guide rails, making it difficult to retrieve objects from lower compartments efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval unit with a load receiver that can pivot about a pivot axis parallel to the X axis, allowing it to be positioned inclined downward, combined with vertical lifting and insertion movements, enabling it to navigate a curved path and insert into lower shelf compartments without interference from guide rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the load receiver moves horizontally along the floor level to retrieve objects from lower shelf compartments, then the retrieval function is achieved, but the guide rail on the floor obstructs the movement and prevents proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The load receiver transitions from purely horizontal movement to a three-dimensional curved path that combines horizontal movement with vertical lifting. By introducing the vertical dimension through the curved movement path, the load receiver can clear the guide rail obstruction on the floor while still accessing lower shelf compartments, effectively bypassing the harmful obstacle through spatial dimensionality change
Solution Approach 2:
The load receiver follows a curved movement path instead of a straight horizontal line. This curved trajectory allows the load receiver to arc over the guide rail obstruction, maintaining continuous motion while clearing the obstacle. The curvature enables smooth transition from floor level to elevated position, avoiding the guide rail interference zone
2Area of stationary object
If the storage and retrieval unit operates in narrow shelf aisles, then space utilization is improved, but the load receiver cannot be pulled back far enough to access lower compartments
Solution Approach 1:
By adding vertical movement capability through the curved path mechanism, the system compensates for the limited horizontal space in narrow aisles. The load receiver can achieve the necessary retrieval position by combining limited horizontal movement with vertical lifting, effectively using the third dimension to overcome the spatial constraint of narrow shelf aisles
Solution Approach 2:
The load receiver system transitions from static horizontal positioning to dynamic curved motion. The ability to continuously adjust the movement path from horizontal to curved to vertical allows the system to adapt to the narrow aisle constraints while maintaining full accessibility to lower compartments, making the operation dynamic rather than constrained by fixed geometric limitations
3Device complexity
If the load receiver is mounted by one end only on the support device, then the structure is simplified, but load deflection occurs during retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control device预先 compensates for the expected load deflection by adjusting the curved movement path parameters before the load is fully retrieved. By calculating the anticipated deflection based on load characteristics and pre-adjusting the trajectory, the system ensures that the load maintains proper orientation throughout the retrieval process, preventing orientation errors before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control to monitor and correct load deflection in real-time during the curved movement. Sensors detect the actual load position and orientation, and the control device continuously adjusts the movement parameters to compensate for deflection, ensuring reliable object orientation despite the simplified single-end mounting structure
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval unit having a carriage which can be moved along a linear guide arranged on a floor in a shelf aisle in the direction of an X axis and which supports a vertical mast which extends perpendicular to the X axis in the direction of a vertical Y axis. A load receiver is mounted by one end only on a support device and can be moved vertically to a shelf compartment along the mast together with the support device, and inserted in the direction of a Z axis running perpendicular to the X axis and perpendicular to the Y axis into a shelf compartment, and the pulled back out of the same. The load receiver is additionally pivotable about a pivot axis X1 running parallel to the X axis, such that it can be brought into a position inclined downward towards the floor.