Robotic Container Handling Grid System for High-Density Port Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling shipping containers in ports are inefficient, requiring large spaces and expensive equipment, and are unable to handle the rapid unloading and loading of container ships, leading to costly idle time and reduced port capacity.
Innovation Solution
A robotic container handling system featuring two perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace with robotic load handling devices that can move independently along the rails, allowing for high-density storage and retrieval of containers, and incorporating transfer and conveyance means to streamline the unloading, sorting, and loading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional container handling systems are used, then containers can be stored and retrieved, but the process is slow and requires large amounts of space and expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the workspace into a grid of discrete locations with perpendicular rails, allowing independent robotic devices to operate on specific rows. This segmentation enables parallel operations across multiple grid rows, increasing overall container handling speed while keeping individual robotic devices relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by stacking containers multiple levels high within the grid structure. Containers are arranged in vertical columns at each grid location, allowing the system to increase storage capacity and handling throughput by utilizing vertical space rather than only horizontal expansion, thereby reducing the footprint area required.
2Area of stationary object
If free-standing stacks of containers are arranged in rows, then storage density increases, but access to specific containers requires complicated hoisting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical hoisting mechanisms with robotic load handling devices that travel along overhead rails. These robotic devices use controlled movement along trackways and automated lifting mechanisms to access containers at any vertical level, eliminating the need for complex ground-based hoisting equipment while maintaining high storage density through vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead rails and robotic load handlers serve as intermediaries between the stacked containers and the external handling system. Instead of directly lifting containers from ground level, the robotic devices traverse along elevated tracks and transfer containers vertically, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling access to densely stacked containers.
3Productivity
If containers are stacked in high density, then port capacity increases, but the required dock area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high port capacity within a reduced dock area by implementing vertical stacking of containers in multiple levels at each grid location. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the port to handle more containers per unit of horizontal space, effectively increasing capacity without proportionally increasing the physical footprint of the facility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If robotic load handling devices operate on a grid system, then movement to any point is enabled, but the system requires two sets of perpendicular rails
Solution Approach 1:
The perpendicular rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the overhead grid, guides robotic device movement in both horizontal directions, and enables access to any grid location. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate systems into a unified structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining full mobility across the workspace.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for handling shipping containers is described. The container handling system comprises a crane, the crane comprising crane load handling devices. The container handling system further comprises conveyance means, the conveyance means further comprising transversal load handling devices. The system further comprises storage and sortation means for storing the containers in a series of stacks disposed beneath a grid, the grid comprising a series of load handling devices operable thereon. The crane load handling device removes a container from a ship, transports it to transversal load handling means operable on a conveyor. The container is moved on the conveyor to a transfer point where it is collected by a robotic load handling device for transport to the storage and sortation area.