Relay Device for Automated Storage Load Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems require a large number of devices to carry loads into or out from the storage, which increases complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates relay devices and a lift and transport device with a second transfer device and a tray that ascends or descends, allowing for efficient load transfer between transport vehicles, relay devices, and the lift and transport device, thereby reducing the number of devices needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conveyors, lift and transport devices, and switching devices are provided for each tier to carry loads into or out from automated storage, then load transport capability is improved, but the number of devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transport capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a transfer point between transport vehicles and the lift and transport device, and also acts as a switching point for load direction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate switching devices at each tier, reducing the total number of devices while maintaining full load transport capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the switching function and transfer function into a single relay device. Instead of having separate conveyors, lift devices, and switching devices for each tier, the relay device integrates these functions, particularly merging the switching function with the transfer mechanism at each tier level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switching devices are provided at end portions of conveyors to switch load directions, then load routing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload routing flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of switching devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a transfer point between transport vehicles and the lift and transport device, and also acts as a switching point for load direction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate switching devices at each tier, reducing the total number of devices while maintaining full load transport capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12286298B2Automated storage and retrieval system

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 MURATA MASCH LTD

AI summary

An automated storage and retrieval system includes: an automated storage including racks each of which includes shelf units in tiers in a vertical direction, where each shelf unit can store loads, and transport vehicles each of which moves along the corresponding ones of shelf units and includes a first transfer device that transfers a load to and from each rack; relay devices each of which transports a load transferred by the first transfer device in a corresponding one of the transport vehicles; and a lift and transport device that includes a second transfer device that transfers a load to and from each relay device, and raises or lowers the second transfer device. The second transfer device includes at least one arm that extends to a route along which the relay device transports a load, and transfers a load based on forward or backward movement of the at least one arm.