Storage Grid Barrier for Safe Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in allowing personnel access for inspection or maintenance without requiring a complete shutdown, which is costly and risky, especially in large systems with many vehicles in operation.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a barrier that separates the storage grid into sections, allowing container handling vehicles to move between them in one state and preventing movement in another, controlled by a central communication system to create a safe environment for maintenance or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete shutdown is implemented to allow personnel access for maintenance, then safety of personnel is improved, but system productivity is worsened due to complete stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The automated storage and retrieval system is divided into multiple independent sections separated by barriers. When maintenance is required in one section, the barrier isolates that section while allowing other sections to continue operating. This segmentation enables partial shutdown rather than complete system shutdown, thereby maintaining personnel safety while preserving overall system productivity.
2Productivity
If the system operates continuously without shutdown, then productivity is improved, but the risk to personnel during maintenance access is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into isolated sections using barriers, the patent enables maintenance personnel to work in one section while other sections remain operational. The barrier creates a physical separation that eliminates the risk of moving vehicles in other sections interfering with maintenance activities, thus allowing continuous operation of the majority of the system while ensuring personnel safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier acts as an intermediary element between the operational sections and the maintenance section. It physically blocks container handling vehicles from entering the maintenance area while allowing personnel to access and service vehicles in that section. This intermediary structure enables simultaneous operation and maintenance without direct exposure to moving vehicles.
3Reliability
If the barrier prevents vehicle movement between sections, then safety during maintenance is improved, but the ability to transport containers between sections is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between open and closed states based on operational requirements. During normal operation, the barrier is open to allow free movement of container handling vehicles between sections. When maintenance is required, the barrier closes to isolate the maintenance section. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between safety mode and operational mode, resolving the contradiction between safety during maintenance and ease of container transport.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a three-dimensional storage grid for storing storage containers; first and second container handling vehicles operating on the storage grid; and a central communication system for controlling and communicating with the container handling vehicles for handling storage containers in the storage grid. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a barrier separating the three dimensional storage grid into a first section and a second section. The barrier has two states: a first state in which the container handling vehicles are allowed to move between the first section and the second section; and a second state, in which the container handling vehicles are physically prevented from moving between the first section and the second section by means of the barrier.