Storage Warehouse With Interchangeable Attachment For Mixed-Size Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage warehouse systems face complexity and increased costs when handling articles of differing sizes, as they require separate configurations for each size, leading to inefficiencies and higher operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A storage warehouse design that includes an attachment mechanism allowing articles of different sizes to be handled using the same system, with a transport apparatus and buffer part enabling the transformation of larger articles into a form that matches the size of smaller articles, allowing them to be stored and retrieved using common shelves and transport mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate transport systems are prepared for each article size, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single transport system that can handle multiple article sizes through interchangeable attachments. The attachment unit can be exchanged to match different storage container sizes, allowing the same transport apparatus to accurately position both small and large articles without requiring separate systems for each size category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transport system configurable through attachment exchange. Rather than a fixed configuration, the system dynamically adapts to different article sizes by replacing the attachment unit, enabling the same base structure to maintain positioning accuracy across varying dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate storage configurations are prepared for each article size, then storage precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating storage shelves and attachment units that work together in a standardized system. The attachments are designed to interface with universal shelf structures, allowing precise storage of different sized articles on the same shelf system without requiring separate storage configurations for each article size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transport systems are installed for different article sizes, then handling accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single transport system with interchangeable attachments that can handle multiple article sizes. This eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate transport systems for different sizes, reducing overall system cost while preserving handling accuracy through proper attachment matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple size-specific transport systems into a single unified system. By combining the base transport apparatus with exchangeable attachments, the system achieves the handling accuracy of specialized systems while avoiding the cost of maintaining multiple separate systems.
4Measurement precision
If separate systems are used for each article size, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized attachment interface that works with the same transport system regardless of article size. Operators work with a consistent system and procedures, exchanging attachments rather than switching between different systems, which simplifies operation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention makes it possible to handle articles of different sizes with the same system and to store the articles of different sizes in the same storage warehouse. A storage warehouse 10 includes: shelves 32, 33 wherein a first container 51 and a second container 52, which is capable of being transported while placed on an attachment 60, are stored; a warehouse-in port 11 and a warehouse-out port 12 whereon the first container 51 and the second container 52 placed on the attachment 60 are placed; a warehouse-in conveyor 13 and a warehouse-out conveyor 14 that are capable of conveying the first container 51 and the second container 52 placed on the attachment 60 between the shelves 32, 33 and the warehouse-in port 11 and between the shelves 32, 33 and the warehouse-out port 12; an attachment-use warehouse-in/out port 16 that is capable of temporarily storing the attachment 60; and a transfer machine 73 that is capable of transferring the attachment 60 between the attachment-use warehouse-in/out port 16 and the warehouse-in port 11 and between the attachment-use warehouse-in/out port 16 and the warehouse-out port 12.