Vertical Shaft Storage Carriers With Height-Adaptive Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage systems in logistics and distribution centers suffer from low storage density, limited flexibility, and inefficient use of space due to fixed storage locations and container-based stacking, which restricts height and requires significant energy for loading and unloading, and is not suitable for non-standard items like trays.

Innovation Solution

A storage system with vertically adjustable support positions for storage carriers, allowing flexible positioning based on load height, using operating devices to insert and support carriers at optimal heights, and employing self-holding mechanisms to prevent slippage, enabling high-density storage without stacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If containers are stacked vertically with upper containers resting directly on lower containers, then storage height is increased, but the stability and load-bearing capacity of the bottommost container is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage heightVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of bottom container

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The storage shaft is divided into multiple independent support positions along its length. Each storage carrier is supported at its own dedicated position rather than relying on the bottom container to bear the entire stack weight. This segments the load-bearing function across multiple points, allowing vertical extension without exceeding the capacity of any single support element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft structure acts as an intermediary load-bearing element between the storage carriers and the floor. Instead of carriers stacking directly on each other, the shaft provides intermediate support surfaces at multiple heights, distributing the load throughout the shaft structure rather than concentrating it at the bottom container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If fixed storage locations with predetermined heights are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but storage density decreases when goods are shorter than the storage location height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidstorage density

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed, predetermined storage locations to dynamically adjustable support positions. The shaft can accommodate storage carriers at variable heights based on the actual dimensions of the goods being stored. This dynamic adjustment allows optimal utilization of vertical space while maintaining structural simplicity through the modular shaft design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If entire stacks of containers must be lifted for loading and unloading, then vertical stacking is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical stacking stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for loading/unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the load-bearing and support function from the container stack itself and transfers it to the shaft structure. This allows individual storage carriers to be accessed and removed independently without requiring the lifting of entire stacks. The shaft provides the necessary support to enable selective access while maintaining vertical stacking stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If container-based stacking is used, then standardized storage is achieved, but flexibility for non-standard items like trays is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidstacking stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft structure serves multiple functions: it provides support, enables vertical stacking, and accommodates various types of storage carriers including non-standard items like trays. The universal shaft design with multiple support positions can adapt to different carrier dimensions and weights, providing both flexibility for diverse items and stability through its robust structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4699956A1Goods storage system

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 FLEXSTORE SYSTEMS UG

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AI summary

Storage system (1) comprising a plurality of vertical shafts (2), a control system, a plurality of storage carriers (4) and at least one operating device (5), wherein the storage carriers (4) can be supported in each of the shafts (2) at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions (3); the at least one operating device (5) is designed to move at least one storage carrier (4) to be stored outside the shafts (2) and to insert it from the outside into a selected shaft (2);the control system is configured to support the at least one storage carrier (4) to be stored at a target position in the selected shaft (2), the control system selecting the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions (3), depending on: a total height of the storage carrier (4) to be stored, including one or more storage goods (7) that may be located on it, and/or a total height of at least one storage carrier (4) located in the selected shaft (2), including one or more storage goods (7) that may be located on it; as well as a storage carrier (4) and an operating device (5) for a storage system (1) and a method for storing storage goods (7) in a storage system (1).