Storage and Order Collection System with Platform Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and order picking systems are limited by low speed, complexity, and a high risk of failure, particularly due to the need for extensive belt conveyor systems and long carrier movements, which complicates the handling of articles in wholesale and retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a frame with parallel elongated storage sections, platforms, and movement means for simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement of holders, allowing for efficient storage and discharge of articles without conflicting with each other, enhancing speed and reducing complexity by using platforms to support multiple holders and simplify the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If belt conveyors are used for moving articles in storage sections, then articles can be transported between storage sections, but the system becomes complex and failure-prone due to multiple drives required for each belt conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive mechanism from each individual storage section and consolidates it into a single central drive unit. This central drive controls multiple belt conveyors simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate drives in each storage section. The solution maintains article transport capability while dramatically reducing system complexity and failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The central drive unit serves multiple functions by controlling belt conveyors across different storage sections. A single drive mechanism performs the work of what would otherwise require multiple independent drives, making the system more universal and efficient.
2Quantity of substance
If more storage sections are added to increase storage capacity, then more articles can be stored, but the carrier must travel longer distances increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical movement of storage sections in addition to horizontal carrier movement. Storage sections can be raised or lowered to bring frequently accessed articles closer to the carrier's path, reducing the horizontal distance the carrier must travel. This multi-dimensional approach increases storage capacity while minimizing travel time.
3Length of stationary object
If the depth of the system is limited, then the system fits in smaller spaces, but more storage sections are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling vertical movement of storage sections, the system maximizes storage capacity within a limited depth. Instead of adding more horizontal storage sections that would increase depth, the system utilizes vertical positioning to accommodate more storage sections in a compact footprint, reducing overall system depth while maintaining complexity through intelligent control.
4Productivity
If high speed operation is implemented, then productivity increases, but the risk of failure increases due to faster movement and wear
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple drive mechanisms into a single central drive, the system reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points. High-speed operation is achieved through this simplified drive system rather than through multiple independent high-speed drives, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Device for the storage of articles and the formation of groups of articles therefrom, comprising a frame (202) having a first series of mutually parallel elongated storage sections (204), preferably positioned in a column set-up, that extend between a first end and a second end of the frame, furthermore comprising a number of holders (206), such as carriers, for the articles, wherein the storage sections are provided with holder supports (207) on which a number of the holders can be supported for storage of the articles, wherein at the first end and the second end of the frame first and second platforms (205a, 205b), respectively, have been arranged which each are adapted for accommodating at least one holder (206), and first movement means for moving said platforms, preferably simultaneously, from the one storage section (204) to another storage section, wherein the device has main or longitudinal sides extending between the frame ends and at least at one longitudinal side is provided with one or more feeder devices (205c).