Grid Storage Robot Battery Access and Passing Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in allowing external equipment to access and recharge or replace batteries in container handling vehicles due to their compact, box-shaped design, which restricts battery access and limits battery size and operational duration.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a protruding section on the container handling vehicle that extends beyond the footprint, housing the battery and allowing easy access for charging or replacement, and includes a recessed section to accommodate other vehicles, enabling them to pass each other without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the container handling vehicle is designed with a compact box-shaped footprint equal to the grid cell size, then the space required for vehicle travel is reduced and more vehicles can operate on the track system, but external equipment cannot access the battery for charging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into a main body portion and a protruding section. The main body maintains the compact footprint equal to the grid cell size for efficient track space utilization, while the protruding section extends beyond the footprint to provide accessible battery compartment that external equipment can reach for charging or replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment is positioned in a protruding section that extends in the horizontal direction beyond the vehicle's main footprint. This dimensional extension allows external charging equipment to access the battery from the side without requiring vertical or lateral movement of the entire vehicle, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining compact operational footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If the container handling vehicle has a footprint equal to the grid cell size, then vehicle density on the track system is increased, but the battery size is limited and operational duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is segmented into a compact main body for track operation and an extended protruding section for battery housing. This segmentation allows the battery to be positioned outside the main footprint, enabling larger battery capacity without increasing the vehicle's horizontal extent on the track system, thus maintaining high vehicle density while extending operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is relocated from within the main vehicle body to a protruding section that extends horizontally beyond the grid cell footprint. This spatial relocation in another dimension allows for larger battery installation that does not interfere with track space utilization, enabling both high vehicle density and extended operational duration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container handling vehicle has a compact box-shaped design, then the vehicle structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but vehicles cannot pass each other on adjacent grid cells
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into a simple box-shaped main body and a protruding section. The main body retains the simple geometry for ease of manufacture, while the protruding section is added as a separate structural element that enables vehicles to pass each other on adjacent grid cells without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle design transitions from a symmetric box shape to an asymmetric form with a protruding section on one side. This asymmetric design allows vehicles to pass each other on adjacent grid cells by providing clearance space, while the protruding section can be manufactured as a simple extension that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first set of tracks and the second set of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell includes an opening defined by the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks such that the track system includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of storage containers are arranged in columns beneath the track system such that the storage containers are located vertically below the openings. A plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving the storage containers are configured to move on the track system and access the storage containers via the openings. Each container handling vehicle of the container handling vehicles includes a lower part in contact with the track system and an upper part. The lower part has a width and a length that form a vehicle footprint. The vehicle footprint of the lower part has dimensions smaller than the opening such that a contact area of the container handling vehicle does not extend into an adjacent grid cell. The upper part, which is disposed vertically above the lower part, includes a protruding section and a recessed section. The protruding section is configured to extend beyond the lower part into the adjacent grid cell. The recessed section is of a complimentary shape to the protruding section such that the recessed section is configured to receive other protruding sections of other vehicles of the container handling vehicles. The lower part further includes a storage space configured to accommodate a storage container of the storage containers.