Dampened Spring Shelf Trays for Smooth Vertical Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertically accumulating container storage and retrieval systems face issues with gas cylinder degradation and performance variations due to temperature changes, leading to unnecessary vibration and jarring of containers, which are costly and time-consuming to address.
Innovation Solution
The use of a metal coil spring or alternative spring types to pivotally mount shelf trays, combined with a bi-directional damper like a fluid cylinder to reduce vibrations and jarring, replaces gas cylinders, ensuring consistent container movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas cylinders are used to bias shelf trays to the upwardly tilted receiving position, then the shelf trays can be maintained in the receiving position, but the gas cylinders are susceptible to degradation due to loss of gas and performance issues relative to temperature changes, leading to vibration and jarring of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas cylinder biasing mechanism with a spring-based mechanical system. The spring is attached to the shelf tray and provides continuous mechanical biasing force to maintain the tray in the upwardly tilted receiving position, eliminating the reliability issues and temperature sensitivity of gas cylinders while reducing vibration and jarring through inherent spring damping characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the biasing mechanism from a gas-filled cylinder to a solid spring element. This parameter change provides more consistent and predictable biasing force that is not affected by temperature variations or gas loss, thereby improving reliability and reducing harmful vibrations and jarring of containers
2Reliability
If gas cylinders are used for biasing shelf trays, then the system can maintain shelf position, but replacement, repair, or adjustment of gas cylinders is time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based mechanical system replaces the gas cylinder system, providing a simpler, more durable biasing mechanism that does not require periodic maintenance, repair, or adjustment. The spring is inherently reliable and can be easily replaced if needed, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost compared to gas cylinders
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component is a simple, inexpensive mechanical element that can be easily replaced if it wears out or fails, unlike expensive and complex gas cylinders that require specialized service. This makes the overall system more cost-effective and easier to maintain
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 provides a reliable and cost-effective means to maintain consistent container movement and reduce vibrations, eliminating the need for frequent gas cylinder replacement and repair.
Implementation Method 1
The spring can be a metal coil spring
Implementation Method 2
a bi-directional damper like a fluid cylinder to reduce vibrations and jarring
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.