Receptacle with temperature controlled lid for automated storage and retrieval system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage and retrieval systems often underutilize vertical space due to the need for specialized environments for different goods, leading to inefficiencies in storage and increased strain on equipment and workers in harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automated warehouse system with individually climate-controlled storage receptacles and microclimate control devices that monitor and adjust environmental conditions within each tote, allowing flexible and efficient storage of goods with varying climate requirements without affecting others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all items requiring specialized storage environment are stored in a large area or environment suited for those types of good, then the storage environment can accommodate all specialized goods, but vertical space in warehouses and distribution centers becomes underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into individual modular totes, each with its own microclimate control capabilities. Instead of requiring one large specialized environment for all temperature-dependent goods, each tote can independently maintain its required climate conditions. This segmentation allows ambient warehouses to store multiple types of temperature-sensitive goods vertically without needing separate large-scale refrigerated or frozen storage areas, thereby maximizing vertical space utilization while maintaining storage environment adaptability.
2Productivity
If a large area environment is used for storing temperature dependent goods, then all goods can be stored together, but energy consumption increases and equipment strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the climate control function to the individual tote level rather than requiring a large-scale environmental control system. Each microclimate control device only needs to condition the air within its specific tote, dramatically reducing the total energy required compared to conditioning a large warehouse space. This allows high storage efficiency through vertical stacking of totes while minimizing energy consumption through localized climate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing climate control only where needed - within individual totes containing temperature-dependent goods - rather than conditioning the entire warehouse environment. The microclimate control devices adjust temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters locally at each tote based on the specific storage requirements of its contents, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining storage efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microclimate control devices are provided at all storage locations, then environmental control is available for all goods, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability where microclimate control devices are selectively deployed based on the storage requirements of goods placed in totes. The warehouse management system can dynamically assign totes with or without microclimate control capabilities to different goods based on real-time needs. This dynamic approach provides environmental control availability where required while avoiding the complexity and cost of equating every single storage location with full microclimate control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated warehouse system and method are provided for controlling internal microclimates of totes within a warehouse or order fulfilment facility. The system provides independent environmental condition monitoring and regulation for each tote. The system enables individual totes to be maintained at adequate or substantially ideal conditions, independent of its position within a storage system or the environmental conditions of adjacent totes. The storage system includes environmental control inputs at individual storage locations to adjust or maintain environmental conditions within a tote at a particular storage location. The totes engage the environmental control inputs when they are stored at a storage location. The system may utilize standard or commercially available totes. The system is operable to monitor and control the microclimate of a tote while it is stored at a storage location and may be operable to monitor the totes while they travel throughout the system.