Automated Storage Guide Locking for Safe Carriage Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance and repair processes in automated storage systems are complex and inefficient, as maintenance engineers face challenges in accessing and servicing autonomous carriages and guides within the system without disrupting operations.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates vertically located work areas with identification means and portable wireless reading devices to digitally lock and unlock longitudinal guides, allowing maintenance engineers to safely access and service areas while preventing autonomous carriages from entering, thus improving maintenance efficiency and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If platforms are made foldable to enable maintenance access, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the maintenance access problem into segments by introducing work areas with identification means at specific locations, rather than making entire platforms foldable. Maintenance engineers can access specific work areas independently through digital locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical foldable platform system with a digital control system using identification means, wireless reading devices, and electronic locking mechanisms to control carriage access to work areas.
2Reliability
If work areas are digitally locked to prevent carriage entry, then maintenance safety is improved, but system productivity decreases due to operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the central control unit before locking a work area. The control unit proactively redirects carriages to alternative routes before they reach the locked area, preventing disruptions rather than reacting to them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the portable wireless reading device communicates with the central control unit, which monitors carriage positions and provides real-time updates to maintain productivity while ensuring safety.
3Device complexity
If traditional maintenance access methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but maintenance efficiency and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces identification means as intermediaries between the work areas and the central control unit. These simple tags or markers enable wireless communication without requiring complex infrastructure modifications to the physical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit serves multiple functions: it manages carriage routes, controls work area locking, receives notifications from reading devices, and coordinates maintenance activities, thereby maintaining system simplicity while enhancing maintenance capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
System (25) for storing products, comprising a number of racks (11) extending parallel to each other, wherein each rack (11) is provided with storage positions (16) for products located next to and above each other, a guide system comprising longitudinal guides (1'-4') extending in aisles (1-4) between adjacent racks, and horizontal transverse guides (15) extending transversely to the longitudinal guides (1'-4') as well as junctions (1''-4'') at positions where at least one longitudinal guide (1'-4') and at least one transverse guide (15) connect, carriages (19) capable of autonomously travelling over the longitudinal guides (1'-4'), transverse guides (15) and junctions (1''-4'') for placing products in and/or taking products out the storage positions (16), and a central control unit (13) arranged for digitally locking of longitudinal guides identified with an identification means (12) and for controlling the autonomous carriages (19) solely over the unlocked longitudinal guides.