Storage Picking System Transverse Retrieval Vertical Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage and picking systems face challenges in optimizing storage density and performance while reducing costs, often requiring complex distribution systems and vertical conveyors that increase costs and reduce dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A storage and picking system that relocates handling units transversely using stacker cranes and aisle changing units, with vertical conveyors positioned outside the rack arrangement for accessibility, allowing for high storage density and dynamic performance without the need for complex pre-zone distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical conveyors are integrated into each rack including inner racks, then storage and retrieval can occur in transverse direction, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vertical conveyor function from individual racks and consolidates it into centralized vertical conveyors positioned only at outer racks. This separation allows inner racks to maintain transverse storage and retrieval capability through horizontal movement to outer racks, while eliminating the need for expensive vertical conveyors in every rack location.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer racks serve multiple functions: they act as both storage locations and housing for vertical conveyors. The vertical conveyors positioned at outer racks serve all racks in the system, including inner racks, by receiving and dispatching handling units to appropriate locations. This multi-functional design reduces overall system cost while maintaining full transverse accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple vertical conveyors are distributed along the length of each rack, then storage density is maintained, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vertical conveyor function into a limited number of centralized units located at outer racks, rather than distributing multiple conveyors throughout the system. These consolidated vertical conveyors handle all vertical transport needs for the entire rack arrangement, reducing component count while maintaining storage density through efficient handling unit routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer racks act as intermediary elements between inner racks and vertical conveyors. Handling units move horizontally from inner racks to outer racks, where vertical conveyors perform vertical transport. This intermediary approach allows storage density to be maintained in inner racks while using fewer vertical conveyors overall.
3Productivity
If aisle exchange units are provided for transverse exchange, then handling units can change aisles without longitudinal movement, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rack arrangement into outer racks and inner racks with distinct functional roles. Aisle exchange units are strategically positioned at outer racks to facilitate transverse exchange between adjacent aisles. This segmentation allows efficient transverse movement at critical interchange points without requiring complex systems throughout the entire rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transverse dimension movement through aisle exchange units at outer racks, allowing handling units to switch between aisles without longitudinal traversal. This adds a transverse dimension to the material flow path, enabling more direct routing and improving productivity while keeping the system relatively simple through localized exchange points.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage and picking system (10) for retrieving handling units (66), comprising: a shelving assembly (12) having a plurality of shelves (14), which are oriented along a longitudinal direction (X) of the system (10) and have multiple shelving levels (54) arranged above one another in a vertical direction (Y) of the system (10), wherein the shelving assembly (12) has a central region (32) and two outer regions (30) in a transverse direction (Z) of the system, said two outer regions enclosing the central region (32) between them in the transverse direction (Z), and wherein the shelving assembly (12) comprises a first outer shelf (20) positioned in one of the outer regions (30) of the shelving assembly (12) and defining a first retrieval shelf (22), from where handling units (66) or articles contained therein to be retrieved leave the shelving assembly (12) in the transverse direction (Z), at least one central shelf (26) positioned in the central region (32) of the shelving assembly (12), a first shelving aisle (34) positioned between the first outer shelf (20) and the central shelves (26) in the transverse direction (Z), and a second shelving aisle (34), positioned on a side of the central shelves (26) opposite the first shelving aisle (34) in the transverse direction (Z); a plurality of aisle exchange units (38) that are each configured to move the handling units (66) in the transverse direction (Z) via one of the central shelves (26), wherein each of the central shelves (26), and in particular each shelving level (54) of the corresponding central shelf (26), is assigned at least one aisle exchange unit (38); a plurality of shelf operating devices (36) which can be moved horizontally in the shelving aisles (34) in the longitudinal direction (X), and each of which has a load-receiving means (37) that is configured for transferring the handling units (6) substantially in the transverse direction (Z), wherein at least one of the shelf operating devices (36) is provided in each of the shelving aisles (34); and at least one first vertical conveyor (40), wherein each of the first vertical conveyors (40) is connected exclusively to the first retrieval shelf (14) or is integrated into the first retrieval shelf (22), and has a retrieval interface (42) at a predetermined height, where retrieved handling units leave the shelving assembly (12) in the transverse direction (Z).