Rack Storage Conveyor Routing for Load Lifting Device Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems with multi-level racks and automatic storage and retrieval machines face bottlenecks in throughput due to limited access and connectivity between load lifting devices, which restricts the efficient movement and handling of storage units.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple load lifting devices arranged in a row, with conveyors connecting them in a modular fashion to utilize adjacent aisle space, allowing for three-dimensional access and connection between lifts, even when straight conveyor connections are not feasible, and integrating these devices into the rack footprint to enable efficient infeed and outfeed operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple load lifting devices are arranged in a row at the same front end of the storage rack, then throughput is increased, but access and connectivity between the devices becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by routing the conveyor belt vertically above or below the storage rack and then horizontally to connect to the load lifting devices. This dimensional change allows the conveyor to access multiple lifts arranged in a row without being blocked by the rack structure, thereby maintaining connectivity and ease of operation while supporting increased throughput through multiple simultaneous lifting operations.
2Area of stationary object
If load lifting devices are integrated into the rack footprint, then space usage is optimized, but straight conveyor connection becomes implausible
Solution Approach 1:
When straight conveyor connections are implausible due to integrated rack footprint, the conveyor system utilizes vertical space by routing the belt above or below the rack levels. This allows the conveyor to circumvent the rack structure and connect to load lifting devices that are integrated into the rack footprint, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture and conveyor connection while optimizing space usage through compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the rack structure and the load lifting devices. By routing the conveyor belt through intermediate vertical spaces or adjacent aisles, it provides a flexible connection path that accommodates both the integrated rack footprint and the need for efficient material flow to and from the lifting devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conveyors circumvent load lifting devices using adjacent aisle free space, then access to blocked lifts is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system utilizes the vertical dimension by routing the belt above or below the storage rack levels to circumvent load lifting devices. This allows access to lifts that would otherwise be blocked by the rack structure or other equipment, enhancing adaptability and versatility. The three-dimensional routing path, while more complex in configuration, leverages unused vertical and lateral spaces to provide flexible access without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack storage system with at least two multi-level longitudinally extending storage racks separated by an aisle, and at least two load lifting devices for storage units. Guide tracks run in at least some of the rack levels along the aisle for storage and retrieval vehicles that transport storage units between the storage racks and load lifting devices, with the guide tracks arranged to extend along the aisle and past the load lifting devices to enable access to the storage racks and each load lifting device. The load lifting devices are arranged in a row in a longitudinal direction of a storage rack either within the storage rack itself or in an extension of the longitudinal extension of a storage rack and a conveyor is connected to the intermediate load lifting device by circumventing at least one lifting device by using free space of an adjacent aisle.