Under-floor Robotic Storage System for Safe Object Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Limited storage space in residential settings, particularly in urban areas, leads to inefficient and hazardous storage practices, such as reaching high spaces, which poses risks to individuals, especially the elderly, and can result in accidents.
Innovation Solution
An under-floor storage system utilizing a robotic retrieval system with a track and arm to access and manage objects stored beneath the floor, allowing for safe and efficient storage and retrieval through user input, image recognition, and automated decision-making based on object dimensions, frequency of use, and triggering events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If objects are stored in high and hard to reach places, then storage space is utilized, but safety is compromised and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical storage (high places) to horizontal storage (under-floor space), utilizing a different spatial dimension to resolve the contradiction between storage capacity and safety. The robotic system operates in the under-floor dimension to retrieve objects, eliminating the need for human access to high locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic retrieval system serves as an intermediary between the user and the stored objects. Instead of users directly accessing high storage locations, the robot mediates the retrieval process by automatically fetching objects from under-floor storage and delivering them to users, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining storage utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If objects are stored in high and hard to reach places, then storage space is utilized, but operation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic retrieval system performs self-service by automatically retrieving objects from storage locations without requiring user physical effort. The system autonomously navigates to storage locations, grasps objects, and delivers them to users, significantly improving retrieval efficiency while maintaining storage space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of humans reaching and grasping objects with an automated robotic system. The robot uses sensors, processors, and automated mechanisms to perform retrieval operations, eliminating the inefficiency of manual access to high storage locations.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional storage methods are used, then storage space is utilized, but harmful factors are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary that eliminates direct human exposure to storage hazards. Users interact with the system through interfaces (touchscreen, voice), and the robot handles all physical retrieval operations, thereby removing harmful factors from the user experience while maintaining effective storage utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for under-floor storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot disposed under an upper floor. The robot may retrieve and deposit objects in a space under the upper floor. A portal provides access to the space from above the upper floor. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.