Storage Device Vertical Compaction Motor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices for transport goods, such as packages, face inefficiencies in loading and storage due to the need for continuous volumes of goods to maintain flow, leading to increased load on stored items and suboptimal space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with motor-driven conveyor systems and a deflection mechanism that allows for vertical compaction of goods using a shoulder, enabling flexible conveying paths and precise control over the movement of goods, thereby reducing load and increasing storage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If goods are stored in conventional storage devices using gravity-based chutes, then the flow of goods is maintained, but the load on stored goods increases and space utilization becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow continuityVSAvoidload on stored goods
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control by using motor arrangements to actively drive conveying devices at controlled speeds, allowing the system to adjust the flow rate of goods based on storage capacity and downstream demand. This replaces the passive gravity-based system with an actively controlled one that can maintain flow continuity while preventing excessive accumulation and overloading of stored goods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device monitors the state of the storage device and adjusts the operating parameters of the conveying devices accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that goods are conveyed at optimal rates, maintaining continuous flow while preventing overload conditions that would increase the load on stored goods beyond necessary levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If goods are stored in conventional storage devices using gravity-based chutes, then storage is achieved, but space utilization becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstorage device volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space more effectively by arranging conveying devices at different levels and orientations. The first and second conveying devices can be positioned vertically or at angles to each other, allowing the storage device to utilize vertical space and achieve higher storage capacity within a smaller footprint volume.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By using motor-driven conveying devices with controllable speeds, the system can optimize the density and arrangement of stored goods dynamically. This allows for more compact and efficient space utilization compared to static gravity-based systems where goods are passively accumulated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If motor arrangements are used to drive conveying devices, then precise control over goods movement is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidmotor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor arrangement and control device are designed to serve multiple functions: they control the speed of conveying devices, manage the flow rate of goods, coordinate the operation of multiple conveying devices, and respond to various operational conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining precise control.

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

4Productivity

If goods are conveyed continuously without compaction, then flow is maintained, but storage volume efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow continuityVSAvoidstorage space efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic compaction cycles where the conveying devices temporarily increase their speed or adjust their operation to compact goods into denser arrangements. These periodic actions maintain overall flow continuity while periodically increasing storage density, thereby improving volume efficiency without disrupting the continuous flow of goods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution allows for efficient vertical and horizontal compaction of goods, optimizing storage space and reducing load on transported items, enabling continuous operation and higher storage volumes even in limited spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a motor arrangement (60) for driving the first conveying device (2a) and/or the second conveying device (2b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Implementation Method 2

The storage device is configured to vertically compress the transported goods by means of the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVertical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

Vertical compaction within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, the stacking or piling of transported goods in a vertical direction, i.e., in the direction of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3786091B1Storage device for transported goods and storage method
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 KORBER SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS GMBH
  • EP3786091B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3786091B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3786091B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a storage device (1) for transported goods and a method (V) for storing transported goods, wherein a first conveying device (2a), a second conveying device (2b), and a diverting device (3a) for diverting transported goods conveyed by the first conveying device (2a) onto the second conveying device (2b) are provided. According to the invention, a motor arrangement for driving the first conveying device (2a) and/or the second conveying device (2b) and a step (5a, 5b, 5c) over which the transported goods are conveyed are also provided. The storage device (1) is configured to vertically compress the transported goods by means of the step (5a, 5b, 5c).