Storage Grid Bin Placement for Heavier Column Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current storage systems are limited by a maximum weight of 30 kg per storage bin, allowing only 14 bins to be stacked, which restricts capacity and height, and are costly to modify for increased capacity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that determines the weight of each storage bin using sensors or manufacturer-provided data to optimize storage positions within the system, allowing for increased weight and height without replacing existing infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the maximum weight per storage bin is increased from 30 kg to 35-40 kg, then the storage capacity and grid height can be increased, but the structural strength and stability of the storage bin and grid may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the weight parameter of storage bins from a fixed 30 kg limit to a variable range of 35-40 kg by implementing a load distribution system that dynamically assigns bins to positions based on weight constraints, allowing the system to accommodate heavier bins while maintaining structural integrity through intelligent positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts bin placement strategies based on real-time weight data and column load states, transitioning from static weight limits to adaptive load management that optimizes structural distribution and prevents overload conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of stationary object

If the number of stackable bins per column is increased from 14 to more than 14, then the grid height and storage capacity are increased, but the stability and load distribution of the column may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid heightVSAvoidcolumn stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the column height parameter by allowing more than 14 bins per column through dynamic load management, using weight-based positioning to distribute loads evenly across multiple columns and prevent instability from excessive stacking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the storage grid into multiple columns with independent load management, distributing heavy bins across different columns rather than concentrating weight in single locations, thereby maintaining overall system stability while increasing total capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If weight sensors and control systems are added to determine bin weights and optimize storage positions, then the storage capacity and weight handling capability are increased, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight handling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual weight assessment and bin positioning with automated weight sensors and control algorithms, substituting mechanical judgment with electronic measurement and computational optimization to manage increased weight capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring of bin weights and self-optimization of storage positions through automated control algorithms that independently manage load distribution without human intervention, reducing operational complexity despite increased technical capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Quantity of substance

If the storage system is modified to handle heavier bins, then the weight capacity is increased, but the cost of modification and infrastructure replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight capacityVSAvoidmodification cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes operational parameters (weight limits, stacking heights, position assignments) rather than physical infrastructure, allowing the system to handle 35-40 kg bins using existing grid structures through software-based load management instead of costly hardware upgrades

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11807457B2System for distributing heavy bins in a storage grid
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 AUTOSTORE TECH AS
  • US11807457B2 patent drawing
  • US11807457B2 patent drawing
  • US11807457B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for storing product items in storage bins in a storage system includes a bin storing grid in which storage bins are stored above each other in columns. The method includes: inserting product items to or retrieving product items from the respective storage bins at a port; determining a weight for each storage bin after one or more product items have been inserted to or retrieved from the storage bin; determining a storage position for the storage bin in the bin storing grid based on the weight; and transporting the storage bin from the port to the determined storage position by means of a vehicle and a bin lift device provided on each vehicle.