Storage Tower Layout With Displaceable Supports for Fast Bin Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems are time and space-consuming when accessing storage containers deep within the grid, requiring 'digging' operations that disrupt the efficiency of container handling vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A storage tower with vertically offset horizontal container supporting frameworks, allowing remotely operated vehicles to access storage containers without digging by aligning openings vertically using displaceable container supports and displacement devices like linear actuators or gearwheel drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage containers are stacked deep within the grid to maximize space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but access time increases significantly due to required digging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple independently displaceable container supports (first support, second support, third support) arranged at different vertical levels. Each support can be moved independently to bring containers to accessible positions, eliminating the need to move all containers above the target container.
Solution Approach 2:
The container supports are made dynamically displaceable along the vertical direction using actuation mechanisms (linear actuators, gearwheel drives). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt container positions in real-time, bringing deeply stored containers to accessible levels without disrupting other containers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digging operations are performed to access deep containers, then access to all storage positions is enabled, but the efficiency of container handling vehicles deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage structure into multiple independently controllable container supports. This allows selective displacement of only the support containing the target container, rather than requiring sequential removal of all containers above it, thereby maintaining high handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable container supports act as intermediaries between the fixed grid structure and the container handling vehicles. By moving the support itself rather than individual containers, the system provides direct access to deep containers without requiring multiple handling operations.
3Loss of time
If vertically aligned openings are implemented across multiple levels, then quick access to deep containers is achieved, but device complexity increases due to displaceable supports and alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic displacement mechanisms (linear actuators, gearwheel drives) to align openings vertically. Rather than creating a permanently complex structure, the alignment is achieved through controlled movement, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while providing rapid access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable container supports serve multiple functions: they hold containers, provide structural alignment, and enable vertical movement for access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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
This configuration enables more time-efficient delivery of products, providing high throughput and quick access to frequently demanded items, while maintaining space efficiency for less time-critical storage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one container support is displaceable along the second direction. At least one container supporting framework further comprises a support displacement device configured to displace the displaceable container support.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tower for storing storage containers includes a plurality of horizontally extending container supporting frameworks distributed with vertical offsets. The plurality of horizontal container supporting frameworks includes a first container supporting framework and at least one second container supporting framework arranged beneath and extending parallel to the first container supporting framework. Each of the first and the at least one second container supporting frameworks includes a horizontally extending container support with principal directions in a first direction and an orthogonal second direction. Each container support is configured as a matrix of container spaces with a plurality of columns of container spaces arranged in the first direction and a plurality of rows of container spaces arranged in the second direction. Each row of container spaces of the first container supporting framework is configured to receive a plurality of storage containers and displays at least one opening extending along the second direction, the at least one opening having an opening size being at least a maximum horizontal cross section of the storage containers to be stored. The at least one opening of the first container supporting framework and the at least one opening of the at least one second container supporting framework can be aligned vertically with respect to each other. At least one container support is displaceable along the second direction. At least one container supporting framework further includes a support displacement device configured to displace the displaceable container support.