Stack Storage Arrangement Row Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stacking bearing arrangements face challenges in organizing the operation economically, particularly in managing the movement and storage of containers with varying transshipment frequencies.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves dividing the stacking bearing arrangement into partial units, each with its own series of container absorption rooms and a dedicated loading vehicle keeping position. This allows for efficient control of loading vehicles, which can only move within assigned series, thereby simplifying operations and increasing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stack storage arrangement is divided into multiple partial units with dedicated loading vehicle holding positions, then the control complexity is reduced and operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple holding positions and transfer arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stack storage arrangement is divided into multiple partial stack storage arrangements, each with its own dedicated loading vehicle holding position. This segmentation allows each loading vehicle to operate independently within its assigned row, simplifying control logic and reducing the complexity of managing loading vehicles across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Storage/retrieval arrangements are introduced as intermediary systems between the loading vehicles and the container receiving spaces. These intermediaries handle the transfer of containers at transfer positions, decoupling the loading vehicle operations from direct access to storage locations and further simplifying control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If loading vehicles are restricted to move only within assigned rows, then the control system becomes simpler and operational safety is improved, but the flexibility to access any container receiving space directly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidaccess flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple rows, with each loading vehicle assigned to a specific row. This segmentation improves safety by limiting the operational scope of each loading vehicle, reducing the risk of collisions and conflicts. The restricted movement within assigned rows is compensated by the storage/retrieval arrangements that can transfer containers between different rows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage/retrieval arrangements act as intermediaries that enable indirect access to container receiving spaces in other rows. When a loading vehicle needs to access a container in a different row, the container is first transferred to the storage/retrieval arrangement, which then moves it to the appropriate row. This maintains safety while preserving access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If containers with high turnover frequency are positioned in lower areas and closer to loading vehicle stop positions, then the retrieval time is reduced and productivity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to dynamic position determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrieval efficiencyVSAvoidposition determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device determines the optimal position for containers based on their turnover frequency in advance, before retrieval operations begin. Containers with high turnover frequency are pre-positioned in lower areas and closer to loading vehicle stop positions, while less frequently accessed containers are placed in higher or more distant positions. This preliminary arrangement minimizes retrieval time and maximizes productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts container positions based on turnover frequency data. The control device continuously monitors and determines the optimal positioning strategy, adapting the storage arrangement to changing access patterns. This dynamic approach ensures that frequently accessed containers are always in optimal positions for quick retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3812305B1Stack storage assembly and method of operating a stack storage assembly
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP3812305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3812305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stacking storage arrangement (1) is described, comprising several container receiving areas (2) arranged in multiple rows (3) and columns (4). A loading area is located below the container receiving areas (2), within which loading vehicles can move. The aim is to operate such a stacking storage arrangement (1) economically. For this purpose, each row (3) is assigned its own loading vehicle stopping position (15), which is located outside the container receiving areas (2).