Automated Storage Transfer Station for Contamination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently transporting product items from storage containers to access stations while maintaining system robustness and preventing contamination.

Innovation Solution

The method involves moving a first storage container from a storage column to a transfer station, transferring the product item to a second storage container, returning the first storage container, moving the second storage container to an access station, and then returning it to the transfer station. This process is facilitated by a barrier separating the system into protected and non-protected areas, with specific container handlers managing the movement on either side of the barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If product items are transferred directly from storage containers to access stations, then transfer efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transfer station acts as an intermediary between storage containers and access stations. The transfer station receives storage containers from the automated storage system, transfers product items to second storage containers, and then delivers them to access stations. This intermediary structure enables efficient automated transfer while protecting the storage system from contamination by isolating it from the access station environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If storage containers are moved freely between protected and non-protected areas, then operational flexibility is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct protected and non-protected areas separated by a barrier. First storage containers remain in the protected area within the automated storage system, while second storage containers are used in the non-protected area for delivery to access stations. This spatial segmentation maintains operational flexibility through the transfer station while preventing contamination by restricting movement of first storage containers across the barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If direct access to storage containers is provided at access stations, then access speed is improved, but system robustness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidsystem robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer station serves as a mediator that decouples the automated storage system from direct access requirements. Second storage containers are delivered to access stations where rapid product access is needed, while the protected first storage containers remain isolated in the automated storage system. This maintains system robustness by preventing exposure to contamination while enabling fast access through the intermediary delivery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250033885A1Method for transporting a product item to an access station

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

A method transports a product item stored within a first storage container within an automated storage and retrieval system to an access station. The method includes moving the first storage container from a storage column to a transfer station; transferring the product item from the first storage container to a second storage container at the transfer station; and returning the first storage container from the transfer station to the automated storage and retrieval system. The method further includes moving the second storage container from the transfer station to an access station at which a person may access the product item; and returning the second storage container from the access station to the transfer station.