Side-Accessible Storage Columns With Retractable Top Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems require manual processes for distributing stored goods to customer-accessible locations, which are time-consuming and costly, and pose safety risks due to the need for human intervention and mechanical handling.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a storage system with side-accessible storage columns that include a retractable top-access barrier and a side-access barrier, allowing customers to access goods directly from storage columns while preventing simultaneous access by lifting devices, ensuring safety and efficiency through a control system that manages barrier states based on lifting device presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processes are used for distributing stored goods to customer-accessible locations, then goods can be accessed, but the process is time-consuming and costly with safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The storage column enables customers to directly access and retrieve goods from the storage location without requiring manual redistribution by staff. The self-service mechanism allows customers to open the barrier, take items, and close the barrier independently, eliminating the time-consuming manual process of transferring goods from storage to display areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the redistribution function from the automated storage system by providing direct customer access to the storage column. Instead of goods being moved from storage to separate display areas through manual handling, customers can directly access and remove goods from the storage column itself, eliminating the intermediate redistribution step.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling is used for goods distribution, then goods can be accessed, but safety risks increase due to human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to safely access goods through a controlled self-service mechanism. The barrier provides safety by preventing direct access to the storage column interior, while still allowing customers to retrieve items through a safe, standardized interface that eliminates risks associated with manual handling and direct access to moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier acts as an intermediary between the customer and the storage column interior. It mediates the access process by providing a controlled interface that allows goods retrieval while maintaining safety boundaries, preventing customers from directly contacting potentially hazardous areas such as lifting device pathways.
3Ease of operation
If side-access is provided to storage columns, then customer access is enabled, but simultaneous access by lifting devices must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the state of the barrier and the position of lifting devices, and provides feedback control to prevent unsafe conditions. When the barrier is opened for customer access, the control system detects this state and prevents lifting devices from entering the storage column, ensuring safe coordination between customer access and automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is designed to be dynamically controllable, changing its state based on real-time conditions. The barrier can be opened for customer access or closed to prevent access during lifting device operations, with the control system dynamically adjusting barrier state according to the current operational context to maintain safety while enabling functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage system (4) comprising one or more side-accessible storage columns (10), wherein each of the storage columns (io) comprises an access side (11), a side-access barrier (30, 30'), and a retractable top-access barrier (40, 40', 40"), wherein the side-access barrier (30, 30') is configured to allow access into the storage volume (ioV) from the access side (11) when open, and to prevent access into the storage volume (ioV) from the access side (11) when closed, and wherein the top-access barrier (40, 40', 40") is configured to be in an active state in which it is extended, and in an inactive state in which it is retracted, wherein the top-access barrier (40) is configured to prevent access of a lifting device (600) into the storage volume (ioV) from above when in active state, and to allow access of the lifting device (600) into the storage volume (ioV) from above when in inactive state, and wherein the top-access barrier (40, 40', 40") is configured so that, when the side-access barrier (30, 30') is able to be opened, the top-access barrier (40, 40', 40") is in the active state or the top-access barrier (40, 40', 40") is moved to the active state in response to opening the side-access barrier (30, 30').