Removable Access Station Modules for Compact Storage Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems have complex access stations with numerous moving components, leading to increased space requirements and maintenance needs, making it difficult to arrange adjacent picking zones closely and increasing operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an access station that is insertable into and retrievable from a compartment within the framework structure, featuring a modular design with a compartmentalized access station that can be easily maintained or replaced, reducing the number of moving parts and allowing for compact arrangement of adjacent access stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If access stations are designed with numerous moving components to enable flexible operation, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access station is divided into multiple independent modules: a stationary module containing fixed components and a movable module containing moving components. This segmentation allows the movable module to be independently removed and replaced, reducing maintenance complexity while preserving operational versatility. The movable module includes the drawer assembly with storage containers, while the stationary module houses the framework and fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable module is extracted as a separate, removable unit from the overall access station system. This extracted module can be independently maintained, repaired, or replaced without affecting the stationary module. The extraction principle reduces device complexity by isolating moving components into a discrete unit that can be handled separately during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If access stations are designed with numerous moving components, then operational flexibility is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable module merges multiple moving components (drawer assembly, storage containers, and associated mechanisms) into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the overall space footprint compared to having separate moving components distributed throughout the access station. The merged module maintains operational flexibility while occupying less space when in its compact position within the framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If access stations are made compact to save space, then space efficiency is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The access station incorporates a movable module that can dynamically transition between a compact stored position and an extended maintenance position. During normal operation, the module occupies a compact space-efficient position. During maintenance, the movable module can be independently removed from the framework, providing excellent accessibility to all moving components without requiring disassembly of the entire access station structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the access station is designed as a fixed integrated unit, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for different operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability for different operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The access station is segmented into a stationary module providing structural stability and a movable module providing operational adaptability. The stationary module includes the framework and fixed components that remain stable throughout operation. The movable module contains the drawer assembly and storage containers that can be independently removed, replaced, or reconfigured to adapt to different operational requirements, thus maintaining structural stability while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4267495B1Automated storage and retrieval system comprising an access station compartment

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

Figure 1
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Figure 3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a framework structure (100), wherein the framework structure (100) comprises upright members (102), a storage volume comprising columns (105) provided between the members (102), wherein storage containers (106) are stackable in stacks (107) within the columns (105); and a rail system (108) provided on top of the members (102). The automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprises an access station (10); and container handing vehicles (201, 203) configured to move on the rail system (108). The framework structure (100) comprises an access station compartment (90). The access station (10) is insertable into and retrievable out from the access station compartment (90).