Storage containers for a grid framework structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems struggle to maintain a wide range of temperatures, particularly below 1° C. to 4° C., limiting the storage of chilled and frozen goods, and require manual handling of frozen items due to battery performance issues with active cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of passive cooling systems with refrigerant-containing cooler packs in storage containers, using eutectic mixtures for temperature control, and a control system to monitor and replace refrigerant as needed, allowing for automated storage and retrieval of temperature-sensitive goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active cooling systems are used to maintain temperatures below 1°C to 4°C, then the storage capability for frozen and chilled goods is improved, but the battery performance deteriorates and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into individual cooler packs that can be independently placed in different storage containers. Each cooler pack is a separate thermal management unit containing refrigerant, allowing temperature control in specific zones without requiring system-wide active cooling that would drain battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
A refrigerant acts as an intermediary substance between the power source and the storage environment. The refrigerant undergoes phase change to provide cooling, eliminating the need for electric compressors and motors that would consume battery power and cause performance deterioration at low temperatures.
2Extent of automation
If passive cooling systems with cooler packs are used, then automated storage and retrieval of temperature-sensitive goods is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes phase change parameters of refrigerant (transition between liquid and gas states) to provide passive cooling. This physical parameter change enables temperature control without complex mechanical components, motors, or electronic controls, maintaining simplicity while enabling automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler packs are designed as replaceable, relatively simple units containing refrigerant. When the refrigerant is depleted or the cooler pack becomes ineffective, it can be easily replaced rather than repaired, reducing the complexity of the overall system while enabling reliable automated temperature-controlled storage.
3Strength
If refrigerant is contained within the lid, then the base wall and sidewalls can be made from thermally insulating material with sufficient structural rigidity, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into functional segments: the lid houses the refrigerant and cooling mechanism, while the base wall and sidewalls are dedicated to thermal insulation and structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant-containing cooler pack is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the main container body. This extraction allows the base wall and sidewalls to be manufactured as simple, rigid insulating structures without integrating complex cooling mechanisms, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining structural strength.
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
Enables automated storage and retrieval of goods across a wider temperature range, including frozen and chilled items, while maintaining efficient battery performance and reducing manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
heat from the storage container is absorbed by the refrigerant causing the refrigerant to undergo a phase change
Implementation Method 2
a pocket in at least one of the base wall, and/or opposing sidewalls and/or opposing end walls and/or the lid for containing the refrigerant plate
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval system includes a grid framework structure including a track system forming a grid. A load handling device is moveable on the track system. Stacks of storage containers are arranged in each of a plurality of storage columns located beneath the track system. The load handling device includes a lifting device arranged to lift one or more storage containers, each including a base wall and opposing sidewalls and end walls extending from the base wall to form a box-like structure having an opening, and a lid for closing the opening to define a cooling tote. At least one of the base wall, and/or opposing sidewalls and/or opposing end walls and/or the lid of the cooling tote includes a pocket housing a refrigerant with a freezing point in a range of −30° C. to 0° C. for storing frozen or chilled foods.