Automated Storage Testing Station for Perishable Goods Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in accurately measuring the freshness and storage conditions of perishable items without requiring costly or extensive equipment modifications.

Innovation Solution

An automated storage and retrieval system with a testing station equipped with measuring equipment, including temperature sensors, moisture detectors, gas detectors, and cameras, that can be lowered onto storage containers to collect data and communicate it to a central computer system for analysis and decision-making on container handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If measuring equipment is installed in the automated storage system to monitor storage conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage condition measurementVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container handling vehicle is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as a transport vehicle for moving containers and as a mobile testing station with integrated measuring equipment. The vehicle includes temperature sensors, moisture detectors, gas detectors, and cameras to monitor storage conditions, while also being equipped with lifting devices and gripping mechanisms for container handling operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container handling vehicle performs self-testing by equipping itself with all necessary measuring equipment (temperature sensors, moisture detectors, gas detectors, cameras) and testing apparatus. The vehicle independently monitors storage conditions, collects data, and communicates results without requiring external testing infrastructure, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a mobile testing station is integrated into the container handling vehicle, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handling efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the container handling vehicle with a mobile testing station by integrating measuring equipment (temperature sensors, moisture detectors, gas detectors, cameras) and testing apparatus directly into the vehicle structure. The vehicle combines container manipulation functions (gripping, lifting, transporting) with storage condition monitoring functions, allowing simultaneous performance of handling and testing operations without requiring separate dedicated testing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If comprehensive measuring equipment is deployed to monitor all storage conditions, then reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage condition monitoringVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate monitoring and management of storage conditions, ensuring that perishable items are handled and distributed based on quality, reducing waste and operational costs by integrating measurement capabilities within the existing framework.

Implementation Method 1

temperature sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

moisture detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture detection:

Implementation Method 3

gas detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 4

cameras

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging:

Data Source

PatentUS20250102333A1Sensor testing station

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

A system performs measurements in storage containers for storing items. The storage containers are stored in an automated storage system including a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. A rail system is arranged on the framework structure defining the circumference of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. The system further includes a testing station, accessible to a container handling vehicle via the rail system, with measuring equipment for measuring atmospheric conditions and for performing measurements in said storage container. The testing station is configured to communicate measurement data to a computer system. The testing station includes an upper part to which a measuring platform with measuring equipment is attached, a lower part for holding a container, and connector for connecting the upper part and the lower part and the testing station includes a lifting device adapted to raise and lower the measuring platform.