Tilting Platform Access for Delivery Vehicle Storage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated storage and retrieval systems, accessing items from storage containers at picking or stocking stations can be hindered by the lack of easy access, leading to congestion and operational delays, especially when items are not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tilting device is introduced, featuring a base structure with a tiltable platform and guiding features, allowing delivery vehicles to be tilted towards an operator, thereby increasing access to items within the storage containers. The tiltable platform is connected to the delivery rail system, ensuring safe guidance and easy access at designated access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If delivery vehicles are used to transport storage containers in automated storage and retrieval systems, then automated operation and continuous flow are improved, but access to items in storage containers becomes difficult and causes congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made tiltable relative to the delivery vehicle, allowing dynamic adjustment of the platform angle. When tilted, the platform brings the storage container closer to the operator or presents its side to the operator, enabling easy access to items while maintaining automated operation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a new degree of freedom by allowing the platform to tilt in addition to the delivery vehicle's movement along rails. This dimensional change enables access to storage containers from multiple angles without disrupting the automated flow of vehicles
2Area of stationary object
If storage containers are stacked in columns in automated storage systems, then space utilization is improved, but access to items requires removing containers and causes operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable platform allows the storage container to be presented at different angles without being removed from its stacked position. Operators can access items by tilting the platform to bring the container within reach or presenting its side, eliminating the need to remove containers from stacks
Solution Approach 2:
The tiltable platform acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stacked storage container and the operator. It mediates access by adjusting the container's orientation and position relative to the operator without requiring container removal or system disruption
3Productivity
If delivery vehicles continuously move along rails to maintain flow, then system throughput is improved, but congestion occurs at access points where vehicles must stop
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable platform enables quick, localized adjustments at access points without requiring vehicles to stop or change their continuous movement pattern. The platform can be tilted rapidly to enable item access while the vehicle remains in motion or pauses minimally, maintaining overall system throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the vehicle movement function from the item access function. The vehicle continuously moves along rails while the platform independently tilts to enable access, allowing these operations to occur in sequence without mutual disruption and minimizing congestion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle includes a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure. The tiltable platform includes guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform, and a tilting actuator arranged for lifting the tiltable platform at a second platform side which is opposite to a first platform side, such that the tiltable platform is tilted towards the first platform side.