Stack-Lifting Container Handling for Overhead Grid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems require complex mechanisms to retrieve containers from stacks, often necessitating digging into the stack, which is inefficient and cumbersome, especially when dealing with various container forms and arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A storage system incorporating a drivable push chain lifting member and an engaging member that allows for vertical displacement of stacks, enabling containers to be lifted and engaged without digging, using a slider-crank linkage for efficient container handling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex digging mechanism is used to retrieve containers from stacks, then container retrieval is possible, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the transport unit dig into the stack to retrieve containers, the invention inverts the approach by lifting the entire stack vertically so that containers become accessible from the top. This eliminates the need for complex digging mechanisms and simplifies the retrieval operation to a straightforward vertical lifting motion followed by horizontal engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the container retrieval problem from a horizontal dimension (digging into the stack) to a vertical dimension (lifting the stack). By adding vertical movement as the primary dimension, the system accesses containers that were previously difficult to reach horizontally, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stacks are lifted vertically to enable horizontal engagement, then container accessibility improves, but the lifting mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member is designed to serve multiple functions: it lifts stacks vertically to enable container engagement, and can be positioned to serve different stacks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-positioning, capable of autonomously lifting and positioning stacks without requiring additional complex external systems. This self-service capability minimizes the added complexity while maximizing container accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting member remains stationary above stacks, then structure simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in handling diverse container arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing it to move horizontally between different stacks and adjust its position as needed. This dynamic behavior enables the system to handle diverse container arrangements flexibly, while the mobility is integrated in a way that does not excessively increase device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage system (1) comprises a plurality of vertical stacks (2) of storage containers (3), wherein the stacks (2) are arranged in a horizontal first direction (X) and a horizontal second direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), a transport unit (8) for transporting at least one container (3) to or from a selected stack (2) in the first and/or second direction (X, Y), and a container handling device (9, 10) for transferring at least an upper container (3) from a selected stack (2) to the transport unit (8) before the transport unit (8) including the container (3) is transported from the selected stack (2) and for transferring at least a container (3) from the transport unit (8) to the top of a selected stack (2) after the transport unit (8) including the container (3) is transported to the selected stack (2). The transport unit (8) is movable above the stacks (2). The container handling device comprises a lifting member (9) for displacing a selected stack (2) in vertical direction with respect to adjacent stacks (2), wherein the lifting member (9) is movable below the stacks (2) in a non-lifting condition thereof, and the container handling device comprises an engaging member (10) that is provided at the transport unit (8) and suitable for engaging at least an upper container (3) of a lifted stack so as to retrieve the container or for releasing an engaged container so as to place the container on top of a selected stack.