Storage Rack Aisle Packet Routing via Cross-Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity storage systems face overloading and reduced capacity due to limited transport capacity on incoming and outgoing paths, leading to accumulation of goods and reduced delivery quality in large-scale intralogistics installations.
Innovation Solution
A method that diverts packets to alternative routes within the storage rack system when paths are overloaded, utilizing adjacent aisles for cross-conveyance via rack serving apparatuses to ensure uniform distribution and prevent accumulation, thereby optimizing storage system capacity and avoiding interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single distribution path with branches for each aisle is used, then all aisles can be reached, but the transport capacity on incoming paths is limited causing overloading and accumulation of goods
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution path is segmented into multiple independent introducing devices and incoming paths, each serving specific aisles. This segmentation allows parallel processing of goods flows, preventing overloading on single paths while maintaining system-wide accessibility to all aisles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension by arranging introducing devices and incoming paths in parallel alongside the distribution path. This multi-dimensional layout enables simultaneous goods transfer to multiple aisles, increasing overall capacity without compromising adaptability.
2Productivity
If goods are discharged at high rate from distribution path, then capacity is increased, but incoming paths become overloaded reducing system capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple incoming paths act as intermediaries between the high-capacity distribution path and the storage aisles. These intermediary paths distribute the goods flow, preventing direct overloading of any single aisle while maintaining high overall discharge rates from the distribution path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple incoming paths that can operate partially or fully based on demand. When discharge rate is high, more incoming paths are activated to share the load, ensuring that the aggregate system capacity is maintained even if individual paths operate below full capacity.
3Productivity
If uniform distribution of goods flows across aisles is achieved, then removal capacity is maximized, but introducing devices must be precisely coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of introducing devices and incoming paths based on real-time aisle requirements. This dynamic coordination enables uniform goods distribution across aisles, maximizing removal capacity while adapting to varying demand patterns without requiring overly complex static coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors goods flow distribution across aisles and provides feedback to adjust the operation of introducing devices. This feedback mechanism ensures uniform distribution is maintained, optimizing removal capacity while simplifying coordination through adaptive control rather than complex pre-planning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for placing packets into and/or out of storage with or without loading aids into/from a particular storage rack aisle of a storage rack, wherein a distribution path conveys packets into storage and/or out of storage, wherein the distribution path comprises adjacent introducing and/or discharging devices which lead to incoming and/or outgoing paths which each supply goods to a storage rack aisle or remove goods therefrom. If the incoming/outgoing path of a destination storage rack aisle is overloaded, the packet is supplied to another incoming/outgoing path of another intermediate storage rack aisle, wherein a transfer takes place from the intermediate storage rack aisle to the destination storage rack aisle or vice-versa within the storage rack.