Storage Rack Aisle Layout for Unobstructed Product Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems often have insufficient accessibility, requiring additional resources and time for workers to access products due to obstructive horizontal bars that hinder movement between adjacent storage racks.
Innovation Solution
A storage system design featuring adjacent support platforms with a predetermined aisle between them, allowing unobstructed access to products on multiple storage units, with support bars positioned to create additional storage space and prevent obstruction, and vertical columns for multi-level support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a horizontal bar is used to provide structural support between adjacent storage systems, then structural stability is improved, but accessibility to products on the opposite side is worsened due to obstruction of the pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the horizontal bar that was providing structural support between adjacent storage systems. By extracting this obstructive element, the pathway for workers to access products on the opposite side is cleared, resolving the accessibility problem while maintaining structural integrity through alternative design approaches
2Area of stationary object
If storage racks are positioned closely together to maximize storage density, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility and worker movement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions support bars from horizontal extensions that obstruct pathways to vertical columns that provide multi-level support. This dimensional change allows storage racks to be positioned closely together for high density while maintaining unobstructed horizontal pathways for worker movement and product accessibility
3Quantity of substance
If support bars extend horizontally to support pallets, then storage capacity is improved, but worker reach and accessibility are worsened due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional horizontal support bar design by implementing vertical columns that extend upward to support multiple levels. This inversion eliminates horizontal obstructions, improving worker reach and accessibility while maintaining or enhancing storage capacity through vertical utilization
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed that provides a storage system designed to allow pickers to easily and efficiently pull products from all portions of the storage system from a single side of the storage system. The storage system includes a first storage rack that has a first plurality of columns and a first platform extending from one of the first plurality of columns. An outer edge of the first platform forms an end of the first storage rack. Positioned adjacent to the first storage rack is a second storage rack with a second plurality of columns and a second platform that extends from one of the second plurality of columns, where an outer edge of the second platform forms an end of the second storage rack. An aisle is formed by a predetermined distance between the outer edges of the first and second platforms.