Stack Storage Assembly With Cross-Row Loading Vehicle Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stack storage arrangements are inefficient as they require multiple loading vehicles for each row, leading to increased operational costs and reduced space utilization, as containers can only be moved within rows and not between them.

Innovation Solution

A stack storage arrangement that incorporates a transverse transport device allowing loading vehicles to move between rows, with a control device optimizing container placement based on turnover frequency, and a transverse transport carriage system for efficient movement, reducing the need for separate vehicles and enhancing space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate loading vehicle is assigned to each row, then each row can be served independently, but the number of loading vehicles increases and space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent row serviceVSAvoidNumber of loading vehicles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The loading vehicle is designed with dual functionality: it can operate within a single row and also travel between rows via the transverse transport device. This multi-functionality allows one vehicle to serve multiple rows, reducing the total number of vehicles needed while maintaining independent row service capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transverse transport device acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the loading vehicle to move between rows. This mediator component facilitates row-to-row transportation without requiring separate vehicles for each row, thus reducing vehicle quantity while preserving operational independence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If containers can only be moved within rows, then the system is simpler, but space utilization and operational efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem simplicityVSAvoidSpace utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from one-dimensional (within-row) container movement to two-dimensional (row-to-row and within-row) movement by introducing the transverse transport device. This dimensional expansion enables containers to be relocated between rows, improving space utilization and operational efficiency while adding controlled complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the transverse transport device is located inside the loading area, then container transfer is direct, but access to container receiving areas is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveContainer transfer efficiencyVSAvoidAccess to container receiving area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse transport device is extracted from the loading area and positioned externally. This separation removes the blocking obstacle from the loading area, ensuring unobstructed access to container receiving areas while the device remains functional for transferring loading vehicles between rows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3812307B1Stack storage assembly
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP3812307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812307B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A stacking storage arrangement (1) with several container receiving spaces (2) arranged in several rows (3) and columns (4) is described, wherein a loading space is arranged below the container receiving spaces (2) in which at least one loading vehicle (8) can move. The aim is to operate such a stacking storage arrangement economically. For this purpose, a transverse transport device (17) is provided, with which the loading vehicle (8) can move between positions, each of which is assigned to a row (3).