Storage Rack Transfer Units for Faster Multi-Container Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage racks face inefficiencies in accessing and retrieving small component parts stored in different containers, requiring numerous transport operations and featuring complex, non-modular transport devices that are not adaptable to changing spatial conditions.
Innovation Solution
A storage rack with a transfer device comprising multiple transfer units that can be controlled and moved separately, allowing simultaneous handling and placement/removal of containers, and a modular design for the transport means to adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single transfer unit is used to handle containers, then the device complexity is low, but the access time for placing and removing containers is long
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is divided into multiple independent transfer units (first transfer unit, second transfer unit, etc.), each capable of independently handling containers. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple transfer units, reducing the overall access time for placing and removing containers while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If numerous transport operations are performed sequentially, then the transport device can be simple, but the access time for retrieving components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transfer units are combined into a single transfer device that can handle multiple containers simultaneously. The first transfer unit handles containers at one location while the second transfer unit handles containers at another location, merging multiple sequential operations into parallel operations to improve productivity and reduce access time
3Adaptability or versatility
If transport devices are fixed and non-modular, then the construction is simple, but the adaptability to changing spatial conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing the number and arrangement of transfer units to be adjusted according to changing spatial conditions and storage requirements. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to different configurations while maintaining operational efficiency
4Quantity of substance
If containers of different heights are stored, then the storage capacity increases, but the complexity of handling them increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transfer unit is designed with local quality characteristics, allowing it to handle containers of different heights at specific locations. The transfer units can independently adjust to accommodate varying container dimensions at different positions, enabling diverse storage capacity without proportionally increasing overall handling complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to storage rack comprising a plurality of rack units with container supports spaced one above the other, said supports being disposed in pairs on opposite side walls of the rack units to form storage locations for containers. The containers can be placed in or removed from the storage locations by means of a controllable transport device. The transport device has at least one first transport means and one second transport means, the first transport means is able to move in the vertical direction (Z), and the second transport means is supported on the first transport means and is able to move in a first horizontal direction (X) relative to the first transport means. The invention further relates to a transfer device for handling a number of containers, the transfer device is arranged on the second transport means and comprises a number of transfer units for placing the containers into and removing them from stock, each transfer unit can be associated with one container and each transfer unit can be controlled and moved separately.