Tiltable Conveyor Storage Bin Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing storage system experiences long waiting periods for vehicles due to the time-consuming transportation of storage bins from the top of the grid to picking and supply stations, where vehicles often remain occupied while waiting for operator completion.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a conveyor system that includes a tiltable conveyor to efficiently move storage bins from a first position to a picking and supply position, allowing vehicles to perform operations vertically and horizontally, reducing waiting times by presenting bins to operators at an inclined angle for ergonomic and efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vehicles transport storage bins from the top of the grid to picking and supply stations, then storage bins can be delivered to operators, but vehicles experience long waiting periods reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is positioned to receive storage bins from vehicles before operators have finished processing current bins. This preliminary positioning allows the next bin to be ready for immediate transfer once the current operation completes, eliminating vehicle waiting time and maintaining continuous vehicle productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the operator workspace. It receives bins from the vehicle, holds them in position, and presents them to the operator, thereby decoupling the vehicle's transport function from the operator's processing time and eliminating the need for vehicles to wait
2Productivity
If storage bins are transported horizontally from the top of the grid to picking stations, then bins can be accessed by operators, but transportation time increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is positioned at a location that allows vertical access to storage bins from the top of the grid, changing the transportation dimension from purely horizontal to a combination of vertical and horizontal movement. This dimensional change enables bins to be accessed directly from the top level without lengthy horizontal transport across the grid
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor is positioned to receive bins in advance of operator need, allowing the bin to be transported and positioned at the picking station before the operator requires it, thereby reducing the perceived transportation time in the operational flow
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 reduces waiting periods for vehicles by enabling efficient transportation and handling of storage bins, improving operational efficiency and ergonomics at the picking and supply stations.
Implementation Method 1
the conveyor system comprises a first, tiltable conveyor configured to convey the storage bin from the first position to the third position via the second position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage system (10) for storing product items (80). The system comprises a grid structure (20), a number of storage bins (30) configured to be stored in vertical compartments in the grid structure (20), and a picking and/or supply station (60). Each storage bin (30) is configured to contain at least one product item (80). The storage system (10) comprises a conveyor system (70) configured to convey a storage bin (30) from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) and further to a third position (P3), where the conveyor system (70) comprises a first, tiltable conveyor (71) configured to convey the storage bin (30) from the first position (P1) to the third position (P3) via the second position (P2).