Storage Rack Layout With Open Aisle for Unobstructed Picking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 storage units.
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 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 connected adjacent storage systems, extracting the obstructive element from the system. This allows workers to access products on the opposite side without obstruction, resolving the accessibility problem while maintaining structural stability through alternative support designs
2Area of stationary object
If storage racks are positioned closely together to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility and worker movement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a gap or aisle between storage rack rows, introducing spatial separation in the horizontal dimension. This allows workers to move freely between racks to access products from multiple sides, improving accessibility while maintaining efficient space utilization through optimized rack positioning and aisle width
3Strength
If horizontal support bars are installed to reinforce storage system structures, then structural strength is improved, but product accessibility from multiple sides is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates horizontal bars that obstruct worker movement, removing the harmful element that prevented access to products on opposite sides of the storage system. This enables workers to retrieve products from multiple sides simultaneously, improving productivity without compromising structural integrity through alternative reinforcement methods
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.