Automated Storage Rack Partition Transformation System

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage rack systems require manual effort to switch between storage disabled and enabled states, leading to reduced efficiency and increased physical burden, especially when handling large-mass objects, and require significant space for preparation of storage racks in the enabled state.

Innovation Solution

A storage rack supply system that includes a base portion and a foldable partition portion, with a dedicated rack preparation section that automates the switching from a storage disabled state to an enabled state using a transport device and unloading section, utilizing a controller to manage the partition movement and engagement positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual switching of storage rack partition is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but work efficiency decreases and physical burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage rack system performs self-service by automatically switching between storage enabled and disabled states through the partition moving unit, which is driven by the driving unit based on control signals. This eliminates the need for manual intervention by workers, thereby improving work efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of switching partition states with an automated driving unit that uses a driving mechanism (such as a motor or actuator) to move the partition between folded and raised positions. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical system resolves the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If high strength and rigidity storage rack is adopted for large-mass objects, then storage capability is improved, but partition mass increases making manual switching more burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage rack strengthVSAvoidphysical burden on worker

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage rack system performs self-service by automatically switching between storage enabled and disabled states through the partition moving unit, which is driven by the driving unit based on control signals. This eliminates the need for manual intervention by workers, thereby improving work efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of switching partition states with an automated driving unit that uses a driving mechanism (such as a motor or actuator) to move the partition between folded and raised positions. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical system resolves the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If storage racks in storage enabled state are prepared in advance, then shipping readiness is improved, but space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping readinessVSAvoidpreparation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the storage rack to dynamically switch between storage enabled and disabled states on demand. Rather than statically preparing racks in advance, the system can transform racks into the enabled state when needed, reducing the need for dedicated preparation space while maintaining shipping readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state parameter of the storage rack from fixed to variable, allowing the partition to move between folded and raised positions. This parameter change enables the rack to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, eliminating the requirement for separate preparation areas and improving space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20230391552A1Storage rack supply system, shipment system, and storage rack handling device

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 HIRATA CORPORATION

AI summary

A storage rack supply system used for supplying a storage rack that includes a base portion and a partition portion that is foldable and that is capable of being switched between a storage disabled state in which the partition portion is folded with respect to the base portion and a storage enabled state in which the partition portion is raised with respect to the base portion, the storage rack supply system including: a rack supply section supplying the storage rack being in the storage disabled state; a rack preparation section changing the storage rack from the storage disabled state to the storage enabled state; a transport device transporting the storage rack being in the storage disabled state from the rack supply section to the rack preparation section; and a rack unloading section unloading the storage rack being in the storage enabled state from the rack preparation section.