U-Shaped Insert Item Transfer for Existing Storage Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Automating the transfer of diverse products and sub-containers into and out of storage containers is challenging due to the need for specialized equipment to handle items with varying shapes, sizes, and weights, and existing systems often require manual intervention or redesign of storage containers.

Innovation Solution

An item transfer system comprising a storage container with a nested insert featuring upwardly extending sidewalls and a lifting device that allows items to be transferred horizontally, compatible with existing storage systems, and an item moving device that operates independently of item type, facilitating automated and flexible handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used for transferring diverse products and sub-containers, then the system can handle various item types with different shapes, sizes, and weights, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced due to the need for manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various item typesVSAvoidtransfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the transfer operation into two independent movements: vertical lifting of the insert (handling the container) and horizontal movement of items (handling the product). This segmentation allows each movement to be optimized independently, enabling automated high-speed transfer while maintaining versatility for different item types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert acts as an intermediary between the storage container and the items. It provides a standardized interface for automated lifting while presenting a flat, accessible surface for horizontal item transfer. This intermediary eliminates the need for specialized gripping equipment for each item type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If specialized equipment is provided for picking each different type of item, then the handling capability for specific item types is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem handling capabilityVSAvoidequipment specialization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert design provides a universal interface that works with all item types. The upwardly extending sidewalls create a standardized lifting interface, while the flat top surface accommodates any item configuration. This single universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized picking equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from vertical picking (requiring grippers to grasp items from above) to horizontal transfer (sliding items across a flat surface). This dimensional change eliminates the complexity of vertical gripping mechanisms while maintaining full item handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If storage containers are redesigned to enable automated transfer, then the automation capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and compatibility with existing systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated transfer capabilityVSAvoidstorage container compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insert nests within the existing storage container, adding automated transfer capability without replacing the original container. This nested structure preserves compatibility with existing storage systems while enabling new automated functions through the insert's standardized lifting interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Items are preliminarily positioned on the insert's flat top surface before transfer. This preliminary positioning on a standardized horizontal surface enables subsequent automated horizontal transfer operations without requiring modifications to the storage container itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If items are transferred by picking them up vertically, then the transfer mechanism is simpler, but the system must account for different item shapes, sizes, weights, and fragilities which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer mechanism simplicityVSAvoiditem type accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transfer dimension from vertical (picking up) to horizontal (sliding across surface). This dimensional shift eliminates the need for complex gripping mechanisms that must adapt to different item characteristics, while the insert's sidewalls provide structural support during the simplified horizontal transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250320060A1Item transfer system and storage and retrieval system

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

An item transfer system includes a storage container with a U-shaped insert that is nested within the storage container. The item transfer system includes an item transfer station having a lifting device for vertically moving the insert out of the storage container to a raised position and an item moving device for horizontally moving an item onto and/or off the insert when the insert is in the raised position.