Tote Side-Wall Drain Holes for Even Fire-Suppression Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing totes used in returnable loop automatic storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) lack efficient drainage systems that prevent water accumulation during fire suppression, leading to potential racking failures due to weight buildup.
Innovation Solution
A tote design with drain holes in the walls spaced above the bottom, allowing liquid to accumulate in the bottom before evenly draining through a bumper around the perimeter, featuring D-shaped openings and ribs to manage water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If drain holes are positioned very close to the bottom of the tote, then water drainage is accelerated, but water cannot accumulate properly and may drain back into stacked totes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the drain holes above the bottom surface rather than at the very bottom, allowing water to first accumulate to a controlled level before draining. This preliminary accumulation phase ensures water is contained within the tote during stacking operations, preventing backflow into stacked totes while still enabling efficient drainage once the threshold level is reached.
2Reliability
If drain holes are positioned high on the walls, then water accumulation is prevented, but drainage efficiency is reduced and water may not disperse evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the vertical position of drain holes to a specific height above the bottom surface, creating an optimal balance between water containment and drainage efficiency. This parameter optimization ensures water accumulates to a controlled level for containment reliability while still draining efficiently through the bumper system.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple drain holes are used in the bottom, then manufacturing is easier, but water dispersion is insufficient and accumulation causes racking failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the drainage function into multiple components: drain holes positioned in the walls rather than a single bottom opening, and a separate bumper structure that guides water dispersion. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components while achieving superior water dispersion that prevents racking failures through even water distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bumper as an intermediary element between the drain holes and the external environment. The bumper acts as a mediator that receives water from the drain holes and guides it to disperse evenly around the perimeter, preventing direct backflow into stacked totes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a straightforward structural addition.
4Device complexity
If water is allowed to accumulate freely in the tote, then drainage is simplified, but weight buildup increases and causes racking failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the drain hole positioning and bumper design that automatically regulates water accumulation. The system provides feedback by allowing water to accumulate only up to a controlled level before the drain holes activate, preventing excessive weight buildup that would cause racking failures while maintaining relatively simple drainage construction.
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
Ensures even drainage of liquid without exceeding 0.50 inches of water, preventing backflow into stacked totes and minimizing racking failures.
Implementation Method 1
drainage system for a tote to allow even flow of a liquid in the interior of the tote... allowing the flow of any liquid in the interior of the container out through a bumper
Data Source
AI summary
A tote with a drainage system for evenly distributing water through all four sides is provided. The tote includes a first end wall, a second opposing end wall, a first side wall, a second opposing side wall, and a bottom wall. A bumper extends outward around the periphery of the tote. A plurality of D-shaped drain holes are positioned a first distance above the upper surface of the bottom wall which allow liquid in the tote to drain evenly out of the tote through the bumper.