Trash Handling in Automated Storage Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently handling and disposing of refuse or recyclable materials generated during operation, often requiring large trash receptacles that occupy valuable space near access stations.

Innovation Solution

An automated storage and retrieval system is enhanced with a dedicated trash port and container handling vehicles that transport trash from an access station to the trash port, where a rotatable platform inverts and spills the contents into a receptacle, optionally using a diverter mechanism for different materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If large trash receptacles are placed near access stations for refuse disposal, then trash disposal function is provided, but valuable space near access stations is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrash disposal functionVSAvoidspace near access station

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trash disposal function is extracted from the access station area and relocated to a dedicated trash port. Container handling vehicles transport trash containers from the access station to the trash port, separating the disposal function from the access station space, thus resolving the space occupation problem while maintaining trash disposal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Container handling vehicles serve as intermediaries between the access station and the trash port. They transport trash containers and coordinate the disposal process, enabling trash disposal without requiring large receptacles at the access station, thereby resolving the spatial conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual trash handling is performed at access station, then trash disposal is achieved, but operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated trash handling where container handling vehicles autonomously transport trash containers from the access station to the trash port. The rotatable platform at the trash port automatically inverts containers to discharge trash, eliminating manual handling and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable platform provides accelerated trash discharge through mechanical inversion, rapidly emptying containers onto the ramp and into the receptacle. This automated mechanism replaces slow manual disposal, significantly improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Productivity

If dedicated trash port with automated disposal is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Container handling vehicles perform multiple functions: they transport storage containers between the access station and storage columns, and also transport trash containers to the trash port. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated trash handling equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining improved operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable platform at the trash port inverts trash containers to discharge trash onto the ramp and into the receptacle. This inversion mechanism provides automated disposal with relatively simple mechanics, achieving improved operational efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This solution enables efficient disposal or recycling of packaging materials and other refuse without occupying valuable space near access stations, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for large trash receptacles.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable platform inverts, spilling the contents of the trash bin into an appropriate receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250051097A1Trash handling arrangement for an automated storage system

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

An automated storage and retrieval system comprising an arrangement and system for the disposal of and/or recycling of trash, such as packaging materials, recyclable materials or other refuse The container handling vehicles of the system transport trash in a trash container from an access station, along the rail system of the storage system, to a trash port which has means for emptying the trash and advantageously diverting the trash to an appropriate receptacle.