Resilient Charging Interface for Grid Storage Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges with the charging system for container handling vehicles, including mechanical wear due to misalignments and inefficiency in power usage during charging.
Innovation Solution
The proposed storage system incorporates resiliently mounted charge-receiving and charge-providing elements that allow independent elastic movement, minimizing mechanical wear and optimizing alignment during coupling, while also featuring a method to lock the container handling vehicle in place during charging to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rigid charge-providing and charge-receiving elements are used for charging, then structural simplicity is maintained, but mechanical wear occurs due to misalignments during coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The charge-providing element is designed to move dynamically between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (during coupling). This dynamic positioning allows the element to adapt to misalignments and achieve proper coupling, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the charge-providing element to optimize coupling. By extending the element from a retracted to an extended position, the system compensates for misalignments and achieves reliable electrical connection without requiring complex rigid alignment mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the container handling vehicle is allowed to move freely during charging, then operational flexibility is maintained, but power usage increases due to movement during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is separated into distinct phases: approach phase (vehicle moves to charging station), coupling phase (vehicle is stationary and charging occurs), and separation phase (vehicle moves away). This periodic action ensures that power is consumed only during approach and separation, not during the actual charging process, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle performs preliminary actions (approaching the charging station and coupling) before the actual charging begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that once charging starts, the vehicle remains stationary, preventing power loss from movement during the charging process while maintaining overall operational flexibility
3Ease of operation
If charging stations are positioned outside grid cells, then charging functionality is provided, but space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is nested within the grid cell structure, specifically positioned within a grid cell rather than outside it. This nesting approach allows the charging functionality to be integrated into the existing storage system footprint, providing charging accessibility while maintaining efficient space utilization within the framework structure
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 solution reduces mechanical wear and improves the efficiency of the charging process by ensuring proper alignment and minimizing power usage, while also ensuring reliable and compact positioning of charging stations within the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
each of the charge-providing elements are resiliently mounted to the support structure and configured to allow independent elastic movement of the charge-providing element from a neutral position in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction during coupling of the charge-providing elements and the charge-receiving elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention provides a storage system comprising at least one container handling vehicle (8), a horizontal rail grid (108) and a charging system for charging a rechargeable power source (9) of the container handling vehicle, wherein the container handling vehicle comprises a vehicle framework (18), a first set of wheels (10a) and a second set of wheels (10b) for moving the container vehicle upon the rail grid in two perpendicular directions; the charging system comprises two separated charge-receiving elements (11) arranged on a sidewall (20) of the container vehicle and connected to the power source (9), and a charging station (12) comprising a support structure (17) and two separated charge-providing elements (13) connected to a power source charger (14), and the charge-receiving elements (11) are arranged to couple with the corresponding charge-providing elements (13) when the container vehicle is moved in a horizontal connection direction (Y') towards and adjacent to the charging station; wherein each of the charge-providing elements (13) and/or each of the charge-receiving elements (11) are resiliently mounted to the support structure (17) or the vehicle framework (18) and configured to allow independent elastic movement of the resiliently mounted charge-providing element and/or charge-receiving element from a neutral position in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction during coupling of the charge-providing and charge-receiving elements.