Universal robotic-enabled storage and retrieval system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems require large, costly temperature-controlled environments that are inefficient and can damage mechanical and electronic components, and they restrict the arrangement of items based solely on temperature, leading to inefficiencies in storage and retrieval.
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 flexible placement and efficient storage of items across a range of temperatures, and enabling robotic movement to optimize storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional temperature-controlled environments are used for storage, then temperature regulation is achieved, but infrastructure cost and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent temperature-regulated containers, each capable of maintaining its own temperature using individual thermoelectric components. This segmentation allows only the necessary portions to be temperature-controlled rather than entire warehouse spaces, significantly reducing energy consumption and infrastructure costs while maintaining required temperature regulation for stored items.
2Temperature
If conventional temperature-controlled environments are used for storage, then temperature regulation is achieved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into modular containers that can be manufactured and deployed independently. Each container is a self-contained unit with integrated thermoelectric temperature control, eliminating the need for expensive centralized cooling infrastructure and allowing standard manufacturing techniques to be used, thereby reducing overall infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical refrigeration systems with thermoelectric components that use electrical current to directly generate heating or cooling effects. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical refrigeration infrastructure (compressors, condensers, expansion valves) and replaces it with solid-state thermoelectric modules, simplifying the system and reducing infrastructure costs.
3Ease of operation
If items are arranged based solely on temperature, then temperature management is simplified, but storage efficiency and retrieval flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature regulation in each container, allowing temperature settings to be adjusted independently and in real-time based on the specific items stored. This dynamic control enables more flexible item placement and retrieval strategies beyond simple temperature-based zoning, improving storage efficiency and productivity while maintaining ease of temperature management through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each container can independently change its temperature parameter to suit different storage requirements. This ability to vary temperature parameters dynamically allows for optimized storage arrangements and retrieval operations, as containers can be reconfigured for different item types without being constrained by fixed temperature zones, thereby improving storage efficiency while keeping temperature management simple through automated parameter adjustment.
4Loss of energy
If thermoelectric components are used for temperature regulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but component wear from temperature fluctuations may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control systems in each container that continuously monitor temperature and adjust thermoelectric component operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents excessive temperature fluctuations and unnecessary cycling of thermoelectric components, reducing wear and extending reliability while maintaining high energy efficiency by operating components only when and as needed to maintain target temperatures.
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 storage efficiency and reducing mechanical component wear.
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
The present application discloses temperature regulated apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for temperature regulated containers. An example temperature regulated apparatus includes a base container. The base container includes at least a base portion, one or more sidewall portions, and a lid portion. The example temperature regulated apparatus also includes one or more thermoelectric components, where (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 the 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.