Robotic Bin Lifting Vehicle for Fast Deep-Stack Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently lifting and transporting large numbers of containers from lower sections of stacked bins due to the need to move a large number of containers in a short amount of time, requiring a robust and reliable mechanism for lifting containers from above.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vehicle with an internal cavity and a gripping mechanism that includes a guide and lifting device to lift and transport a stack of bins, utilizing a guide to align the gripping device with the bins and a lifting device to raise and lower the bins into the cavity, allowing for the simultaneous handling of multiple bins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of containers are stacked in vertical columns to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but the time required to access containers in lower sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lifting operation by introducing a transfer station that acts as an intermediate point. Containers are lifted one at a time from the vertical stack to the transfer station, then subsequently transported together. This segmentation allows continuous access to lower containers without requiring movement of entire stacks, reducing access time while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer station serves as an intermediary between the vertical storage columns and the transportation system. This mediator allows containers to be temporarily deposited during lifting operations, enabling the lifting mechanism to access lower containers without being blocked by upper containers, thus resolving the time penalty associated with deep stack access.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-container lifting mechanisms are used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity decreases due to sequential handling of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by lifting and transferring containers to the transfer station in advance of their final destination. This allows multiple containers to be staged and prepared for simultaneous transportation, increasing productivity without requiring complex multi-container lifting mechanisms. The preliminary transfer action enables batch processing of containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the lifting and transfer process based on container destination requirements. Containers bound for the same location are grouped and transferred together, while those requiring different destinations are handled individually. This dynamic approach optimizes productivity by maximizing batch transfers while maintaining flexibility for individual container needs, all using relatively simple lifting mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a robotic vehicle (500) for lifting storage bins (508) from a storage system, the robotic vehicle comprising: a vehicle body (502) comprising an internal cavity (510) for receiving a plurality of storage bins; a gripping device configured to releasably engage a plurality of stacked storage bins; and a lifting device configured to raise and lower the gripping device.