Automated Storage Floor Elements for Equipment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face difficulties in manually accessing equipment on the grid for service due to the lack of easy access pathways, especially when equipment like container-handling vehicles malfunction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of floor elements that can be arranged at the top end of storage columns, allowing operators to stand and providing a walkway to equipment, with rail-connecting elements to secure positioning and compatibility with container-handling vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage containers are stacked to high levels in automated storage and retrieval systems, then storage density and productivity are improved, but manual access to equipment on the grid becomes difficult and service operations become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct operational levels: an automated level for container handling and a manual level for equipment service. The manual access level is segmented as a separate platform that can be independently positioned, allowing operators to access equipment without interfering with automated container operations at higher levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimensionality change by providing manual access at a lower level (first level) while container handling occurs at upper levels. This dimensional separation allows operators to access equipment on the grid from below, eliminating the need to climb high storage columns and enabling safe manual intervention without exposure to falling containers.
2Productivity
If container-handling vehicles operate on rails at the top level of the grid, then automated container retrieval and storage operations are efficient, but service personnel cannot safely or easily reach the vehicles for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manual access level as an intermediary platform between the operator and the container-handling vehicles. This intermediate level provides a safe working platform where operators can perform maintenance activities without needing to reach the top level where the vehicles operate, thereby maintaining both automated efficiency and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational space is segmented into automated vehicle operation zones at the top level and manual service zones at the bottom level. This segmentation allows vehicles to operate autonomously at height while operators work safely at ground level, eliminating the need for operators to expose themselves to the risks of working at elevated positions.
3Productivity
If storage columns are filled to maximum height, then space utilization is optimized, but equipment service and operator safety are compromised due to lack of access pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a safety dimension by allowing operators to work from the bottom level rather than climbing up storage columns. This dimensional approach to operator positioning eliminates exposure to falling containers and provides safe access pathways while maintaining full utilization of vertical storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the operator safety function from the storage column structure itself and places it in a separate manual access level. This extraction allows storage columns to be filled to maximum height for optimal space utilization while operators work from a dedicated safe platform that is independent of the storage column fill level.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a three-dimensional grid (4) and a plurality of container handling vehicles (9), wherein the three-dimensional grid (4) comprises multiple storage columns (5), in which containers (6) are stored on top of one another in vertical stacks (7); and each container handling vehicle (9) comprises a container lifting device (18) having a lifting frame (17) for releasably connecting to a container (6), and is operated on rails (10,11) at a top level of the grid (4) for retrieving containers (6) from, and storing containers (6) in, the storage columns (5), and for transporting the containers (6) horizontally across the grid (4); wherein the automated storage system comprises multiple floor elements (21), each floor element arrangeable at a top end (22) of a storage column (5), such that an operator (23) may stand on top of the storage column; wherein each of the floor elements (21) comprises rail-connecting elements at a horizontal periphery thereof, the rail-connecting elements being able to connect to the rails (10,11) at the top end of a storage column (5), such that the floor element is held at a desired level relative the top level of the grid, and wherein the floor elements (21) may be stored on top of one another in a vertical stack (7) arranged in a storage column (5) in the grid (4) or arranged in a dedicated column having a cross-section able to accommodate a floor element having a larger cross-section than the containers (6).