Storage and retrieval system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in automating the storage and retrieval of frozen food items, which require lower temperatures than ambient and chilled goods, and pose issues related to temperature control and worker comfort and safety in freezing environments.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval system with a first zone maintained at freezing temperatures and a second zone at a higher, comfortable temperature, separated by a divider with a passage allowing container movement, featuring a dehumidifier system to maintain temperature and humidity differences and a temperature control system to regulate air temperatures and humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single temperature zone is used for storage and retrieval, then the system structure is simple, but frozen goods cannot be stored at required low temperatures while allowing worker access
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into two distinct temperature zones: a first zone maintained at freezing temperatures (−30°C to 0°C) for storing frozen goods, and a second zone at higher temperatures (−10°C to +8°C) for worker access and container handling. The divider with selective openings separates these zones while allowing controlled interaction, enabling each zone to maintain its required temperature independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A dehumidifier system acts as an intermediary between the two zones, drawing humid air from the second zone, dehumidifying it, and discharging the drier air into the first zone. This intermediary device manages the humidity transfer that occurs through the divider openings, preventing condensation and frost formation in the cold storage zone while maintaining the temperature differential.
2Ease of operation
If the second zone is kept at higher temperature for worker comfort, then worker safety and comfort improve, but humidity from the second zone may cause condensation in the first zone
Solution Approach 1:
The dehumidifier system serves as a mediator that manages moisture transfer between zones. It continuously draws air from the warmer second zone, removes excess humidity, and returns the dehumidified air to the cold first zone. This intermediary function allows the second zone to maintain comfortable temperatures for workers while preventing harmful condensation and frost in the first zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates humidity control through the dehumidifier that monitors and adjusts moisture levels in real-time. By continuously managing the humidity content of air transferred between zones, the system provides feedback control that prevents condensation and frost formation while maintaining worker comfort in the second zone.
3Productivity
If passages are provided for container movement between zones, then storage and retrieval efficiency improves, but temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The divider structure implements local quality by providing selective openings at specific locations that allow container passages while minimizing thermal interaction. The openings are positioned and sized to enable efficient container transfer through passages while maintaining distinct temperature zones, allowing each region to have the temperature quality it requires for its function.
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
The system effectively maintains separate temperature zones for efficient storage and retrieval of frozen goods while ensuring worker comfort and safety by controlling humidity and temperature differentials, preventing condensation and frost formation.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidifier system configured to draw and dehumidify air from the second zone and discharge the dehumidified air into the first zone
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval system comprising: a first zone comprising a storage structure, the storage structure comprising: a plurality of horizontal members arranged to form a grid pattern defining a plurality of grid cells; a plurality of upright members configured to support the horizontal members from below to define a storage area below the grid cells for storing stacks of storage containers; a second zone separated from the first zone by a divider, the divider comprising an opening such that the first and second zones are in fluid communication; a passage extending from an associated grid cell of the storage structure into the second zone via the opening in the divider such that a storage container can move between the first and second zones via the passage; and a dehumidifier system configured to draw and dehumidify air from the second zone and discharge the air into the first zone.