Universal robotic-enabled storage and retrieval system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems require large, temperature-controlled environments that are costly and inefficient, and can damage mechanical and electronic components due to extreme temperatures, while also being inflexible in arrangement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A universal robotic-enabled storage and retrieval system using temperature-regulated containers with thermoelectric components, inductive charging grids, and sensors to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels, allowing for efficient storage and rearrangement of items based on demand and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional temperature-controlled storage environments are used, then temperature regulation is achieved, but infrastructure costs and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into individual temperature-regulated containers rather than using a single large temperature-controlled environment. Each container independently maintains its temperature using thermoelectric components, allowing only the necessary portions to be cooled or heated, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cooling systems (compressors, condensers, refrigerants) with thermoelectric solid-state components. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical infrastructure, reduces energy consumption, and allows for more efficient temperature control at the container level.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large temperature-controlled environments are used, then temperature stability is maintained, but space efficiency and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage system into individual containers, each with its own temperature regulation capability, the patent achieves temperature stability only where needed. This allows for compact, modular storage arrangements that maximize space efficiency while maintaining the required temperature stability for stored items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of temperature parameters in individual containers based on the specific storage requirements of different items. This flexibility allows for optimized temperature settings that maintain stability while reducing the overall volume required compared to a single large controlled environment.
3Reliability
If extreme temperature control is implemented, then item preservation is improved, but component lifespan is reduced due to thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature control systems with solid-state thermoelectric components that generate less thermal stress. These components provide precise temperature control without the extreme temperature fluctuations and mechanical wear associated with conventional systems, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining item preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements gradual and controlled temperature changes rather than extreme temperature shifts. By adjusting temperature parameters slowly and within optimal ranges, the system preserves stored items while minimizing thermal stress on components, thereby extending their operational lifespan.
4Device complexity
If fixed storage arrangements are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and maintenance flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a modular system where individual containers can be independently arranged, moved, and configured. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity at the component level while providing high adaptability at the system level, allowing for flexible storage arrangements and easy maintenance without requiring complex fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic storage system where containers can be repositioned and reconfigured based on storage needs and maintenance requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining simple individual container structures, achieving both structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
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 system reduces infrastructure and maintenance costs, saves energy, minimizes food spoilage, and allows for flexible storage and retrieval operations by maintaining precise temperature and humidity conditions within individual containers, enhancing the lifespan of components and improving storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each thermoelectric component comprises an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a composite semiconductor layer disposed between the exterior surface and interior surface, and each thermoelectric component is configured to, in an instance current flows through the thermoelectric component, transfer heat between the interior surface and exterior surface
Implementation Method 2
the inductive charging grid is integrated within the base container, and the inductive charging grid is configured to induce a current within the one or more thermoelectric components
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and computer program products for a temperature regulated container disclosed herein. An example temperature regulated apparatus comprises a base container. The base container includes at least a base portion, one or more sidewall portions, and a lid portion. The temperature regulated apparatus also includes one or more thermoelectric components, wherein (i) each of the one or more thermoelectric components are configured to be disposed within the interior of the base container, (ii) each thermoelectric component comprises an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a composite semiconductor layer disposed between the exterior surface and interior surface, and (iii) each thermoelectric component is configured to, in an instance current flows through the thermoelectric component, transfer heat between the interior surface and exterior surface.