Power Accumulator for Stacker Crane Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems in shelf storage systems face performance degradation and safety risks due to uncontrolled movements during power failures, especially when reliant on electronic braking without mechanical self-holding brakes, leading to potential damage to machines and goods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power storage system that maintains electrical supply to storage and retrieval machines by switching the power store to the control coil during voltage loss, allowing controlled braking and operation using recuperative energy, and incorporating monitoring and alarm systems to manage power storage degradation and ensure safe discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electronic braking is used without mechanical self-holding brakes, then energy efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates during power failures causing uncontrolled movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping the storage and retrieval machines with holding brakes that are activated before power failure occurs. These holding brakes mechanically secure the machines in their current position, preventing uncontrolled movements when power is lost. This preparatory measure ensures safety without compromising the energy efficiency benefits of electronic braking during normal operation.
2Reliability
If power storage system is implemented to maintain supply during voltage loss, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power storage system as an intermediary component between the main power supply and the control systems of storage and retrieval machines. This power storage system acts as a buffer that maintains electrical supply during voltage losses or power failures, enabling the holding brakes and control systems to remain operational. While this adds some complexity, it significantly enhances reliability by ensuring continuous operation during power disturbances.
3Reliability
If monitoring and alarm systems are added to manage power storage degradation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through monitoring systems that continuously track the health and degradation state of the power storage system. These monitoring systems provide real-time information about the power storage status to the control system, enabling proactive maintenance and ensuring the power storage system remains effective. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt and maintain reliability by detecting degradation early and triggering appropriate responses.
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
Enhances energy efficiency and system availability by enabling controlled operation during power failures, preventing damage to machines and goods, and reducing error analysis time by monitoring power storage health and ensuring safe power management.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical energy generated by the drive motor during braking is stored in an energy storage device (C)
Implementation Method 2
the electrical energy generated by the drive motor during braking is stored in an energy storage device (C)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system (101..103) comprising a plurality of storage racks (2) for piece goods (15) located next to or on top of each other, a plurality of automated stacker cranes (31, 32, 32a..32c) for storing piece goods (15) in the storage racks (2) and retrieving piece goods (15) from the storage racks (2), said stacker cranes being movable relative to the storage racks (2), and at least one power supply unit (4, 4a, 4b) for the stacker cranes (31, 32, 32a..32c). The storage system (101..103) additionally comprises at least one power accumulator (C, Ca, Cb) which is associated with or is part of the at least one power supply unit (4, 4a, 4b). The invention further relates to a method for operating said storage system (101..103).