Rail Expansion Joint for Automated Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges with rail misalignment, expansion, and contraction due to temperature changes, which can lead to vehicle derailment and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An expansion joint is introduced to connect sets of rails in automated storage and retrieval systems, featuring elongated rail elements that slide relative to each other, a profiled upper surface defining tracks, and a guide arrangement to support and guide the rail elements, allowing for longitudinal movement and maintaining a continuous track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid rail connections are used to maintain precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the system cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The rail connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The adjustment mechanism allows the rail connection to adapt its position and orientation in response to thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining precise alignment dynamically rather than being fixed at manufacturing precision levels only.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (position, orientation, spacing) of the rails are made variable through the adjustment mechanism. This allows the system to change connection parameters in response to thermal conditions, accommodating expansion and contraction while maintaining operational precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable connection mechanisms are added to accommodate expansion, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: positioning components, locking components, and adjustment components. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the complex adjustment capability more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adjustment mechanism is introduced between the rigid rail sections. This intermediary element absorbs the complexity of thermal accommodation, acting as a mediator that allows rigid rails to connect while providing the necessary flexibility for expansion and contraction.
3Reliability
If precise rail alignment is maintained to prevent derailment, then reliability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to thermal expansion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by preemptively accommodating thermal expansion and contraction before it can cause misalignment or derailment. The system is designed to absorb thermal stresses in advance, preventing them from affecting rail alignment and vehicle safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism incorporates cushioning elements that absorb thermal stresses before they can propagate to affect rail alignment. This beforehand cushioning protects the precise alignment necessary for preventing derailment by isolating the system from thermal shocks.
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 expansion joint simplifies the connection of two rail systems, mitigates issues related to rail expansion and contraction, and ensures smooth vehicle movement by maintaining a continuous track, thereby reducing the risk of derailment and enhancing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
mitigates issues related to rail expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 2
mitigates issues related to rail expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an expansion joint for connecting regions of a rail-based grid storage system, the expansion joint comprising: a first rail element and a second rail element, the rail elements being elongated and configured to slide relative to one another in a longitudinal direction in a junction area where they overlap, the expansion joint having a profiled upper surface that defines one or more tracks for supporting container handling vehicles, the tracks extending from the first rail element through the junction area to the second rail element, wherein in the junction area, each rail element provides a portion of the or each track of the profiled upper surface so that there is a transition extending along the expansion joint from the first rail element to the second rail element for the or each track. The invention further relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising said expansion joint and a method of connecting regions of a rail-based grid storage system and/or delivery rail system using one or more of the expansion joints.