Transfer-Station Charging for Battery-Powered Block Storage Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In block storage arrangements, the productivity is reduced due to the need for frequent charging of electric loading vehicles, which are unavailable during charging times, leading to either reduced availability or the need for multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electrical charging device is integrated into the transfer station, allowing the loading vehicle to recharge automatically during brief stops, utilizing a high-current charging system that includes sliding contacts for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the loading vehicle is equipped with a rechargeable battery for electrical drive, then environmental friendliness and operational flexibility are improved, but the vehicle becomes unavailable during charging times, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic charging actions by utilizing the transfer station stops as regular charging opportunities. The loading vehicle periodically recharges its battery each time it returns to the transfer station, transforming the periodic operational pattern into a beneficial charging rhythm that maintains continuous availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading vehicle autonomously recharges itself during routine operational stops at the transfer station without requiring external intervention or dedicated charging infrastructure. The vehicle uses its own movement pattern and the existing transfer station infrastructure to automatically top up its battery, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If multiple loading vehicles are provided to ensure high availability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous operational capability by implementing frequent top-up charging during transfer station stops. This continuous energy replenishment allows a single loading vehicle to maintain availability without requiring backup vehicles, eliminating the need for multiple units while preserving reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the loading vehicle remains in the transfer station for extended periods to charge the battery, then energy supply is improved, but productivity is reduced due to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial charging actions during each transfer station stop, topping up the battery with smaller amounts of energy multiple times rather than requiring a single extended charging period. This approach provides sufficient energy for the next operational cycle without keeping the vehicle stationary for long durations, maintaining productivity while ensuring adequate energy supply.
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 continuous operation of the loading vehicle by efficiently charging the battery during short periods in the transfer station, maintaining high productivity while minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical charging device (13) for the battery (12) is arranged in the transfer station (10)... The charging device (13) is designed for a charging current of at least 80 A... The loading vehicle (5a) automatically establishes contact with the charging device (13)... As soon as the loading vehicle (5a) enters the transfer station (10), electrical contact between the charging device (13) and the loading vehicle (5a) is established, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the charging device (13) to the battery (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A block storage arrangement (1) is described, comprising several container stacking spaces (2), a loading space (4) arranged below the container stacking spaces (2), at least one loading vehicle (5, 5a) movable within the loading space (4), with which containers (3, 3a) can be placed into and removed from a container stacking space (2) from below, and which has an electric drive arrangement and an electrically rechargeable battery, and at least one transfer station (10). The aim is to enable high productivity of the block storage arrangement in a cost-effective manner. For this purpose, an electric charging device (13) for the battery (12) is provided in the transfer station (10).