Smart Rack Storage for Rectangular Prism Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current storage and retrieval systems for rectangular prisms in multi-dimensional spaces face challenges such as complex superstructure design, high manufacturing costs, and inefficient use of space due to reliance on automated shuttles and motor-driven components, which are prone to failures and require significant empty space for operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of smart racks with mechanically actuatable components, such as motors and arms, that can move rectangular prisms within a modular superstructure, allowing for direct traversal and efficient use of space, with each smart rack being individually powered and controllable to work together to facilitate the movement of prisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated shuttles and motor-driven components are used for movement, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement efficiencyVSAvoidsuperstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the movement function into two independent segments: (1) smart racks that move laterally along guide rails using simple motor-driven carriages, and (2) robotic manipulators that perform picking and placing operations. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex automated shuttles while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a fixed robotic arm to reach into static racks, the invention inverts the approach by making the racks mobile. The smart racks move laterally to bring items within reach of the robotic manipulator, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If motor-driven components are used for movement, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The smart racks operate using periodic, demand-driven movement rather than continuous operation. The racks move laterally only when items need to be picked or placed, then return to their home positions. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuously running motor-driven automated shuttles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts the high-energy motor-driven components from the core storage structure and places them only in the mobile smart rack carriages. This allows the majority of the storage system to remain passive and energy-efficient, with power consumption concentrated only in the small, mobile units that move on demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If automated shuttles are used for traversal, then productivity is improved, but volume of space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval speedVSAvoidempty space for operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces static automated shuttles with dynamic, mobile smart racks that move laterally along guide rails. This dynamic approach allows the racks to occupy minimal space at any given time, only requiring clearance for their lateral movement path, rather than dedicating large volumes of empty space for shuttle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves the traversal function from a vertical dimension (automated shuttles moving up and down fixed racks) to a lateral dimension (smart racks moving horizontally along guide rails). This dimensional change eliminates the need for large vertical clearances and allows more efficient use of the storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables faster and more efficient movement of rectangular prisms within the modular superstructure, reducing space requirements and minimizing the need for automated shuttles, while providing a scalable and low-power architecture for communication and control.

Implementation Method 1

a slider movably disposed on a lead screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLead screw mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The linear motor is configured to exert a linear motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

the hinge plate transfers the linear motion exerted by the linear motor to movements of the swing plate between the distal end and the proximal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion transfer:

Implementation Method 4

The rotary motor is configured to cause a rotational motion of the arm relative to the slider

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotary motor:

Data Source

PatentUS20250019168A1Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for movement of rectangular prisms through a multi-dimensional space

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for movement of rectangular prisms in a multi-dimensional space are provided.