Storage system and article retrieving method
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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 pathway access to products on opposite sides.
Innovation Solution
A storage system design featuring adjacent support platforms with a predetermined aisle between them, allowing unobstructed access to products by removing the need for horizontal bars that extend between platforms, and incorporating vertically positioned columns and support bars to create additional storage units while maintaining accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If horizontal bars extend between storage systems to provide structural support, 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 storage system is divided into multiple independent rack units, each with its own support columns. The horizontal bars are segmented to connect only adjacent columns rather than extending across the entire pathway, allowing workers to access products on opposite sides without obstruction while maintaining structural support for each rack section.
Solution Approach 2:
Horizontal support bars are positioned only at specific locations where they are needed for structural support, rather than extending continuously across the storage system. This localized placement provides necessary stability while leaving the central pathway open for worker access.
2Ease of operation
If horizontal bars are removed to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but structural support for storage systems is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using long horizontal bars spanning across the storage system, the structure uses multiple shorter horizontal segments connecting adjacent columns. This segmentation maintains structural support for each rack section while eliminating obstructions in the pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical support columns serve as intermediaries that bear the structural load, allowing horizontal bars to be shortened or removed without compromising overall stability. The columns transfer forces vertically, replacing the need for long horizontal spanning elements.
3Quantity of substance
If storage racks are positioned closer together to increase storage density, then quantity of storage is improved, but accessibility and worker safety are worsened due to insufficient pathway space
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system uses segmented rack units with open connections between them, allowing racks to be positioned closer together while maintaining clear pathways. The segmented design eliminates obstructive horizontal bars that would otherwise require wider spacing for worker safety.
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.