Rack-and-Belt Telescopic Drive for Multi-Aisle Stacker Cranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor-vehicle lifting devices for high-bay warehouses can only approach one storage compartment at a time, limiting their efficiency and requiring multiple units for effective storage and retrieval operations.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic drive system with a base, carriage, and toothed-belt drive mechanism that allows for extended movement in a horizontal direction, enabling the drive to reach multiple compartments and integrate into a storage and retrieval unit, facilitating the transfer of storage items across multiple aisles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional telescopic drive with electric motor, rollers or chain is used, then the lifting table can be moved perpendicularly to the storage aisle, but the device can only approach one storage compartment at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage item turnoverVSAvoidability to serve multiple storage compartments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic drive is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. Each section contains its own drive mechanism (electric motor with rollers or chain), allowing different parts of the lifting table to reach multiple storage compartments simultaneously or sequentially, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining compact storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic drive extends not only in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the storage aisle but also in the vertical direction. This multi-dimensional extension capability allows the lifting table to access storage compartments at different heights and positions, enabling a single device to serve multiple compartments efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conveyor-vehicle lifting devices are deployed to serve multiple storage compartments, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of storage compartments servedVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple telescopic drive mechanisms are merged into a single integrated lifting table system. The lifting table comprises multiple telescopic sections that can be controlled independently, allowing one unified device to perform the functions of multiple separate devices while reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting table is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple storage compartments through its telescopic sections. Each section can be independently positioned to access different compartments, making the single device multi-functional and replacing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the telescopic drive extends to reach multiple storage compartments, then versatility increases, but the overall height and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of storage compartments accessibleVSAvoidoverall extension length of telescopic drive

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic drive employs a nested structure where multiple telescopic sections are arranged concentrically, with smaller sections nested within larger ones. When retracted, the sections fold into each other, minimizing the overall extension length and space requirements while maintaining the capability to reach multiple storage compartments when extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 telescopic drive system enhances storage item turnover and capacity by allowing a single unit to serve multiple storage racks, reducing the need for multiple devices and increasing operational efficiency in high-bay warehouses.

Implementation Method 1

a toothed-belt drive (23) made up of at least an electric motor (234) and a circulating toothed belt (231) driven thereby, is tensioned in the first horizontal direction (Z) and is positioned on the toothed rack (211) of the base (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission through toothed belt and rack: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentUS10926950B2Telescopic drive, stacker crane comprising same and operating method and use therefor

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 BAUMULLER NURNBERG GMBH

AI summary

A telescopic drive contains a base having a securely attached toothed rack running in a first horizontal direction. At least one first carriage is arranged on the base, which is supported on the base such that it moves in the first horizontal direction by a linear guide, and which has a toothed belt drive formed by at least one electric motor and a revolving toothed belt. The toothed belt is driven by the electric motor, is tensioned in the first horizontal direction and is positioned on the toothed rack of the base. By integrating the telescopic drive into an electric-motor-driven cabin inside a three-dimensional shelving matrix of an equipment stand, both a compact construction and movements of a stored item are permitted, with the movements reaching up to or preferably also beyond the extension of an individual storage shelf.