3D Storage Grid With Central Void Shafts For Direct Bin Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional storage and retrieval systems face challenges in achieving a balance between space efficiency and direct access to all storage locations, as they often require removal of upper bins to access lower bins, or necessitate multiple vehicle types for efficient retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional storage system with a gridded structure featuring storage cells with central voids that form a vertical shaft, allowing robotic vehicles to traverse and access every storage location directly through aligned central shafts, using a combination of horizontal and vertical track layouts and a cam-based mechanism for wheel unit control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bins are stacked in vertical columns with only uppermost bin directly retrievable, then storage density is improved, but access to lower bins requires removal of upper bins which reduces retrieval efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension for vehicle movement by allowing robotic vehicles to traverse not only horizontal grids but also vertical shafts formed by stacked storage cells. This enables vehicles to access any bin in a vertical column directly by traveling down the shaft to that bin's level, eliminating the need to remove upper bins and resolving the contradiction between high storage density and efficient retrieval.
2Ease of operation
If aisle-based format with open aisles between rows is used, then access to any storage location is enabled, but space efficiency deteriorates due to significant volume occupied by open aisles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating horizontal aisles that consume significant space, the invention creates vertical shafts through which vehicles can travel. Storage cells are stacked around these shafts, allowing vehicles to access any bin by moving vertically to the appropriate level. This vertical access method maintains high space efficiency while enabling direct access to all storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical shaft acts as an intermediary space that enables vehicle movement between different levels of the storage system. Rather than requiring open horizontal aisles, the shaft provides a dedicated vertical corridor that mediates access to all storage locations while occupying minimal space.
3Productivity
If multiple vehicle types are used for efficient retrieval, then retrieval efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs a universal robotic vehicle that can perform multiple functions: traversing horizontal grids, entering vertical shafts, navigating to different levels, and retrieving bins. This multi-functional vehicle eliminates the need for separate vehicle types for different retrieval scenarios, maintaining high retrieval efficiency while reducing fleet complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Bins or other storage units contained within a three-dimensional grid structure are arranged in cells, each of which has multiple storage units surrounding a central void or space on different sides thereof. This void space is slightly larger than each storage unit, enabling the unit to be pulled into the void by mechanical means, and allowing access to the bins on all sides of the void. The storage units are stacked within the three-dimensional grid structure, which can be built or expanded to a predetermined footprint. The aligned voids of stacked cells create vertical shafts spanning between upper and lower tracks of the grid structure on which robotic retrieval vehicles can horizontally travel to and from any given shaft. The robotic retrieval vehicles can directly access any storage unit via the vertical shafts.