Stackable Container Storage Device with Lifting Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for stackable containers in airport conveyor systems are inefficient, expensive, and struggle with peak demand fluctuations, leading to either excess empty containers during low demand or insufficient containers during high demand.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a lifting conveyor, feed and discharge conveyors, and a transfer device that allows for efficient stacking and unstacking of containers by dividing transport into individual and stacked levels, enabling rapid and cost-effective management of container supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are transported individually on the conveyor system, then container availability for loading is improved, but transport efficiency deteriorates due to excessive movement of empty containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments container transport into two distinct levels: individual container transport on the upper conveyor level and stacked container transport on the lower conveyor level. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each transport mode for its specific function - individual containers can be quickly accessed and loaded while stacked containers provide bulk storage and reduce unnecessary transport of empty containers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension by implementing two-level conveyors with different functions. The upper level handles individual container operations while the lower level handles stacked container storage and transport. This dimensional change enables simultaneous independent operation of both transport modes, resolving the contradiction between container availability and transport efficiency
2Productivity
If stacks of containers are handled together, then transport efficiency is improved, but container access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the container handling function by location rather than by container type. The upper conveyor level is dedicated to individual container access and transfer operations, while the lower level is dedicated to bulk stacked container transport. This functional segmentation allows stacks to be transported efficiently on the lower level while individual containers are accessed quickly on the upper level
Solution Approach 2:
The upper conveyor level acts as an intermediary between the lower stacked container storage and the loading points. Containers are transferred from stacks on the lower level to the upper level, where they can be individually accessed and quickly delivered to loading points, thus mediating between bulk transport efficiency and individual access speed
3Quantity of substance
If existing storage devices are used, then container storage capability is provided, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with multi-functionality: the same basic conveyor structure serves both individual container transport on the upper level and stacked container transport on the lower level. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized storage devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges storage and transport functions into a single integrated two-level conveyor system. Rather than using separate storage racks and transport conveyors, the system combines both functions into one structure where the upper level handles individual container transport and the lower level handles stacked container storage and transport, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage device (1) for stackable containers (2) for conveying items, in particular items of luggage in a sorting conveyor system in an airport. Said storage device comprises a lifting conveyor (3) with a container receiving element (4) which can be guided between an upper conveying plane (5) and a lower conveying plane (6) for storing at least one container (2). Said storage device also comprises a conveyor (7) which is arranged in the upper conveyor plane (5) for guiding storage containers (2) up to a transfer position (8) and a discharge conveyor (9) which is arranged in the upper conveyor plane (5) for discharging stored containers (2) from a transfer position (10). Said storage device also comprises a moving device (20) for moving a container (2) from the transfer position (8) to the empty container receiving device (4) or to the container (2) placed on the respective most upper part of the container receiving device (4) and for moving the most upper container (2) placed on the container receiving device to the transfer position (10). As a result, empty containers (2) can be received, housed and guided back in a simple and cost effective manner.