Rotated Storage Structures for Vertical Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for loading units are complex and expensive due to the use of multiple conveyor technologies, leading to long travel times and inefficient material flow handling.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with two vertically stacked storage areas, each with a parallel storage row structure rotated relative to the other, connected by lifting technology, allowing for efficient transfer and distribution of loading units without the need for extensive conveyor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple conveyor technologies are used in existing storage systems, then loading units can be transported and handled, but the system becomes complex and expensive with long travel times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of storage and retrieval machines (SRM) and line conveyor technology into a single integrated storage structure. The bearing structures with rotated orientations serve dual purposes: storing loading units and transporting them between levels, eliminating the need for separate conveyor systems while reducing complexity and improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide storage capacity for loading units, enable vertical transport between storage areas, and facilitate horizontal movement within levels. This multi-functionality replaces traditional separate conveyor systems, reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional SRM and line conveyor technology are used separately, then loading units can be stored and transported, but the system requires extensive infrastructure and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SRM and line conveyor functions into a single bearing structure system. The first and second bearing structures with rotated orientations integrate storage and transport capabilities, eliminating the need for separate conveyor infrastructure and reducing implementation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational orientation between bearing structures as a new dimensional approach. By rotating the second bearing structure relative to the first, the system achieves efficient three-dimensional space utilization and direct access to loading units, eliminating the need for extensive linear conveyor infrastructure
3Area of stationary object
If loading units are transferred between vertically stacked storage areas, then space utilization improves, but travel time increases without efficient transfer mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rotational orientation of bearing structures to create direct access paths between vertically stacked storage areas. The rotated second bearing structure enables loading units to be transferred efficiently between levels without following lengthy horizontal conveyor paths, reducing travel time while maintaining vertical space utilization
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 configuration simplifies and cost-effectively manages material flow, enabling flexible distribution and reducing the complexity and expense of handling loading units by integrating the functions of conventional SRM and line conveyor technology.
Implementation Method 1
The storage areas are connected to one another by means of lifting technology or one or more lifting means arranged within the storage facility or the first and second storage area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system having a storage arrangement for storing loading units, and to a method for shifting loading units in a storage system. In order to simplify transporting operations during the shifting of loading units (3) in a storage system (1) having a storage arrangement (2), provision is made for the storage arrangement (2) to have at least a first storage region (4) and a second storage region (5), which is arranged vertically (6) above the first storage region (4). The first storage region (4) has a first storage structure (8), which is formed by first storage and retrieval routes (7); the second storage region (5) has a second storage structure (10), which is formed by second storage and retrieval routes (9). A first orientation (11) of the first storage structure (8) is rotated in relation to a second orientation (12) of the second storage structure (10). During the operation of shifting the loading units (3) in the storage system (1), a loading unit (3) is stored in or retrieved from (110) one of the two storage regions (4, 5) of the storage system (1) and transported (120) in said storage region (4, 5). The loading unit (3) is transferred (130) out of the one storage region (4, 5) into the other storage region (4, 5) and the storage unit (3) is transported (140) in the other storage region (4, 5).