Rack Elevator Load-Receiver With Rollers for Perpendicular Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems for small load carriers in warehouse technology are inefficient in loading and space utilization, as they require conveyor technology for direct handover and cannot move load carriers perpendicular to the direction of movement.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system incorporates a load-receiver with conveyor elements, such as rollers, allowing perpendicular movement of load carriers, eliminating the need for additional conveyor technology and enabling direct loading and unloading via a conveyor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the elevator uses a displacement unit with tines for moving load carriers, then the load carrier can be lifted and moved in the direction of displacement unit movement, but the load carrier cannot be moved perpendicular to the direction of movement of the displacement unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveyor element (roller) and displacement unit into a single integrated load-receiver structure. The roller is arranged on the load-receiver to move load carriers perpendicular to the displacement direction, while the displacement unit moves them parallel to the rack bay. This merging eliminates the need for separate conveyor systems and enables loading from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-receiver is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the displacement unit for parallel movement and the conveyor element for perpendicular movement. This allows the same component to handle load carriers from different directions and perform multiple operations, increasing system versatility without adding separate dedicated systems.
2Productivity
If conveyor technology is used for direct handover to the elevator, then loading efficiency is improved, but additional conveyor technology and installation space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The load-receiver performs the handover function itself by incorporating the conveyor element (roller) directly on its structure. Instead of relying on external conveyor technology to transfer load carriers to the elevator, the load-receiver's own roller enables direct perpendicular movement and loading, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional conveyor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the handover function with the load-receiver structure by integrating the conveyor element. This combination allows the load-receiver to both transport load carriers vertically (elevator function) and horizontally perpendicular to the rack (conveyor function), eliminating the need for separate conveyor technology and reducing installation space.
3Area of stationary object
If the load-receiver can move load carriers perpendicular to the displacement direction, then lateral loading is enabled and space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space-complexity contradiction by merging the perpendicular movement function into the load-receiver structure through the conveyor element (roller). This integration enables lateral loading and better space utilization without requiring separate perpendicular movement mechanisms, as the roller is incorporated directly into the existing load-receiver design.
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
This design enhances loading efficiency, reduces installation space, and lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional conveyor technology, while increasing the capacity and flexibility of the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
the load-receiver comprises at least one conveyor element, in particular one or more rollers, which is or are suitable for moving a load carrier arranged on the load-receiver perpendicular to the direction of movement of the displacement unit
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator for a rack system for load carriers having a load-receiver, wherein the load-receiver comprises a displacement unit, and wherein the load-receiver comprises rollers. Further a rack system equipped with a corresponding elevator is also provided.