Rotatable Container Carrier for Cross-Orientation Bin Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in handling storage containers with different orientations and transferring them between systems with varying orientations, as well as between internal and external conveyors, due to the need for precise alignment and orientation of containers.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated delivery vehicle equipped with a container carrier that can receive and rotate storage containers horizontally, allowing for orientation adjustment relative to the vehicle base, and an automated storage and retrieval system incorporating this vehicle to facilitate transfers between systems with different orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If containers are stacked in a single-file line on the carrier, then the carrier structure is simple, but the loading space utilization is poor and delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-file line arrangement to a two-dimensional grid pattern arrangement. Containers are positioned in multiple rows and columns on the carrier surface, effectively utilizing the available planar space. This dimensional change allows significantly more containers to be carried simultaneously without increasing carrier complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and loading space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows the entire container array to rotate between longitudinal and transverse orientations. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different delivery scenarios and optimize space utilization based on the number and size of containers being transported, while maintaining a relatively simple base structure through a single rotation degree of freedom.
2Ease of operation
If containers are arranged in a single-file line, then the carrier is easy to operate, but the delivery time increases due to sequential placement
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging containers in a multi-row grid pattern rather than a single file, the system enables parallel placement operations. Multiple containers can be positioned simultaneously across different locations on the carrier, dramatically reducing the time required to load all containers while maintaining straightforward operational procedures through the use of guide rails and positioning mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier can rotate between longitudinal and transverse orientations, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotation mechanism that provides the carrier with two operational orientations (longitudinal and transverse) through a single degree of freedom. This dynamic design achieves high adaptability for different delivery scenarios without requiring multiple separate carriers or complex reconfiguration systems. The rotation mechanism itself remains relatively simple, involving basic mechanical components that enable orientation change while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
It is described a remotely operated delivery vehicle (30) for transport of a storage container (106), the remotely operated delivery vehicle (30) comprising; a vehicle base (2) comprising rolling devices (32) configured to move the remotely operated delivery vehicle (30) in a horizontal plane (P1) along tracks of a rail system (108; 308), comprising a first set of parallel rails (110; 51) arranged in a first direction (X) and a second set of parallel rails (111; 52) arranged in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X), rolling device motors (4, 4') for driving the rolling devices (32), a power source configured to provide propulsion power to the rolling device motors (4, 4'), a container carrier (35) supported by the vehicle base (2), wherein the container carrier (35) is configured to receive the storage container (106) from above and /or from a side and onto or at least partly into the container carrier (35), and a rotational drive configured to rotate the container carrier (35), and any storage container (106) supported thereon, relative the vehicle base (2). It is further described an associated automated storage and retrieval system comprising the remotely operated vehicle, as well as methods of using the remotely operated vehicle to transfer storage containers between rail systems with different orientation.