Three-Dimensional Storage Layout with Shared Central Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional warehouses require multiple inbound and outbound conveying modules per group of storage units, leading to increased operational costs and complex maintenance due to the large number of devices.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional storage system with N stacker cranes, two side conveying devices, and N-1 central conveying devices, where central conveying devices are shared between adjacent aisles, reducing the overall number of devices and facilitating maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If each group of three-dimensional storage units is equipped with separate inbound and outbound conveying modules, then operational efficiency and takt time are improved, but the number of devices increases leading to higher operational costs and complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inbound and outbound conveying functions into a single shared conveying device that can serve multiple storage units. This conveying device is configured to convey materials between different storage units, eliminating the need for separate conveying modules in each storage unit group, thereby reducing the total number of devices while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The shared conveying device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both inbound and outbound conveying operations across multiple storage units. It can convey materials to different destinations and from different sources, replacing multiple specialized conveying modules with a single universal device
2Productivity
If multiple separate conveying modules are deployed in each storage unit group, then material handling capability is enhanced, but maintenance complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conveying modules into a single shared conveying device, reducing the number of components that require maintenance. This unified device can be maintained and repaired as a single unit rather than managing multiple separate modules across different storage units
Solution Approach 2:
The shared conveying device is designed to handle multiple conveying tasks across different storage units, providing universal material handling capability. This multi-functional design maintains comprehensive material handling capability while simplifying maintenance through device consolidation
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a three-dimensional storage system including a three-dimensional warehouse, stacker cranes, side conveying devices, and central conveying devices. The three-dimensional warehouse comprises N groups of side-by-side arranged three-dimensional storage units, each group of the three-dimensional storage units including two rows of racks arranged at intervals. The N stacker cranes are respectively arranged in the aisles of the N groups of three-dimensional storage units in a one-to-one correspondence. Two side conveying devices are respectively disposed at the ends of the outermost rows of racks in the three-dimensional warehouse. The central conveying devices are arranged at the ends of the two rows of racks between adjacent aisles. One central conveying device is shared between each pair of adjacent three-dimensional storage units, thereby reducing the number of devices, which in turn lowers operating costs and facilitates later maintenance.