Transfer Shuttle Multilevel Rack Exchange Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse storage systems face inefficiencies in item transfer between racks, particularly as the number of aisles increases, leading to longer transfer times and difficulties when racks are congested or under maintenance, due to reliance on direct exchange methods that require complex sorting and conveyance across multiple aisles.
Innovation Solution
An automated warehouse storage system with multilevel storage racks and transfer shuttles that utilize exchange positions and transverse conveyance locations to enable direct item transfer between racks, reducing the need for complex sorting and conveyance across multiple aisles, and allowing for alternative routes and faster item exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct exchange methods are used to transfer items between racks, then item transfer can occur between adjoining racks, but transfer time increases as the number of aisles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transverse conveyance locations that allow shuttles to move items perpendicular to the main aisle direction, creating a two-dimensional transfer path. This enables items to be exchanged between racks on different levels without traversing the entire length of multiple aisles, significantly reducing transfer time in large-scale facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs transverse conveyance locations as intermediary transfer points between racks. Instead of direct end-to-end conveyance across multiple aisles, items are transferred through these intermediate positions, allowing for more efficient routing and reducing overall transfer time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex sorting and conveyance across multiple aisles is used, then items can be routed to correct destinations, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conveyance system into modular components: aisle shuttles for longitudinal movement, transverse conveyance locations for lateral transfer, and exchange positions for item swapping. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse conveyance locations serve multiple functions: they act as transfer points between racks, provide buffering capacity, and enable exchange between different aisle levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated complex routing mechanisms for each scenario.
3Quantity of substance
If racks are congested or under maintenance, then storage capacity is maintained, but item transfer becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic routing by allowing the system to change operational parameters such as which aisles are active, which shuttles are in use, and which transverse locations are available. When congestion or maintenance occurs in one area, the system can reroute items through alternative aisles and transverse conveyance locations, maintaining transfer operability while preserving storage capacity in all racks.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated warehouse storage system for storage and retrieval of items and conveying items within the storage system, the system comprising: a plurality of primary multilevel storage racks, the primary multilevel storage racks positioned parallel with one another, and extending in a first direction; wherein the plurality of primary multilevel storage racks has at least one storage rack exchange level, in which items are delivered to or retrieved from the storage racks, and at least one exchange position in the at least one storage rack exchange level; and wherein at least one transfer shuttle is configured to travel in a second direction spanning the exchange positions of the storage racks and transverse to the first direction, the transfer shuttle and the exchange positions configured for exchanging items between the transfer shuttle and the exchange positions of the storage racks to retrieve or deliver items.