3D Tire Storage Array With Automated Retrieval and RFID Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage and handling of tires in retail and large auto dealership settings are inefficient due to their size, shape, and weight, leading to safety concerns, low storage density, and challenges in managing inventory, which limits the ability to store tires in high-cost locations and requires time-consuming and hazardous manual processes.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a three-dimensional storage array with rotating rods and actuators that allow tires to be efficiently stored and retrieved, enabling automated inventory management and reducing the need for manual handling, while optimizing storage space and improving safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If tires are stored on floor-to-ceiling racks with narrow access aisles, then storage height is utilized, but storage density per floor space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional rack storage (floor-to-ceiling with aisles) to three-dimensional storage by stacking tires vertically on rotating rods. Multiple tires are arranged in vertical columns that can be rotated, allowing storage in the vertical dimension without requiring horizontal aisle space. This eliminates access aisle requirements while maximizing floor space utilization.
2Ease of operation
If personnel manually handle tires using ladders, then tire placement and retrieval is possible, but safety risks and injury accidents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service tire storage and retrieval through automated mechanisms. Tires are placed on rotating rods at ground level and can be rotated into position for easy access without ladders. The automated rotation and positioning mechanisms eliminate the need for personnel to climb heights, making the system safe while maintaining operational ease.
3Productivity
If fork lift trucks are used to handle tires, then handling capacity is improved, but the operation remains time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical handling systems (fork lift trucks) with an automated rotational mechanism. Tires are stored on rotating rods that can be automatically rotated to present any tire at ground level for retrieval. This eliminates the need for time-consuming forklift operations while maintaining high handling capacity through automated positioning.
4Ease of operation
If access aisles are provided between tire racks, then tire retrieval is possible, but storage density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system retrieves tires by rotating vertical columns of tires into position, accessing them from the side without requiring aisles between racks. Multiple tires are stored in vertical stacks on rotating rods, and the entire column can be rotated to bring any tire to an accessible position at ground level. This maintains easy retrieval while eliminating aisle space requirements, thereby maximizing storage density.
5Measurement precision
If physical inventory counting is performed manually, then inventory accuracy is achieved, but personnel exposure to hazards and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical counting with an automated electronic tracking system. Each tire is equipped with an RFID tag or barcode, and sensors detect tire positions on the rotating rods. The system automatically tracks tire locations, movements, and inventory levels, providing accurate real-time inventory data without requiring personnel to physically count tires. This eliminates time consumption and hazard exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage array includes one or more tier including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudger is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. A controller coupled to actuators for the plates and the horizontal nudger invokes movement of tires in and out of the storage array and within the storage array according to a storage, retrieval, and inventory management program. Tires may include electronically readable chips that are detected by sensors at a front edge of the storage array that are coupled to the controller.