Robotic Under-Stair Storage System for Automated Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Limited storage space in residential settings, particularly in urban areas, leads to inefficient storage practices, including the use of high and hard-to-reach areas that pose safety hazards, especially for the elderly, and existing solutions like hooks can also be hazardous.

Innovation Solution

An under-stair storage system incorporating a robotic retrieval system with a track under or above the stairs, equipped with a robot that can grasp objects using an arm and navigate based on user input, image recognition, and predictive algorithms to store and retrieve items efficiently, reducing the need for manual handling and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If objects are stored in high and hard to reach places, then storage space utilization is improved, but safety hazards increase especially for elderly persons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic retrieval system serves as an intermediary between the user and objects stored in high locations. The robot autonomously retrieves objects from elevated storage spaces and delivers them to the user, eliminating the need for users to physically reach high places while maintaining efficient storage space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical retrieval (users physically reaching for objects) with an automated robotic system. The robot uses mechanical arms and navigation systems to retrieve and deliver objects, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If traditional storage solutions like hooks are used, then storage functionality is provided, but additional safety hazards are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidsafety hazards from hooks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes hazardous hooks from the storage system entirely. Instead of using hooks to suspend objects, the system employs a robotic retrieval mechanism that can safely handle objects without requiring users to interact with potentially dangerous hook structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system provides self-service storage and retrieval functionality. Objects are automatically stored and retrieved without requiring users to manually handle hooks or other potentially hazardous storage mechanisms, enhancing safety while maintaining storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual retrieval of objects from high spaces is required, then storage flexibility is maintained, but user convenience and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic retrieval system acts as an intermediary that maintains storage flexibility while enhancing user convenience. The system can store objects in various locations including high spaces, and the robot autonomously retrieves them, allowing users to benefit from both flexible storage and convenient automated access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11607813B2Systems and methods for under-stair storage and retrieval

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Systems and methods for under-stair storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot that retrieves and deposits objects in a space under a set of stairs, A portal provides access to the space from above the stairs. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.