Variable-Height Storage Access Using Independent Sliding Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval machines are inflexible, requiring careful pre-configuration based on anticipated storage needs, which can lead to delayed deliveries and inefficient space utilization, as they do not allow for easy reconfiguration to accommodate items of varying vertical dimensions without tools or opening the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
The machine features independently positionable upper and lower doors and drawer-style shelves that can be reconfigured without tools, allowing for variable-height access openings and easy repositioning of shelves to maximize space utilization, even when used with adjustable-height shelving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform-height doors are used in storage machines, then the structure is simple and secure, but items taller than the door height cannot be stored without opening multiple doors
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into multiple independent doors of different heights (e.g., a full-height door and one or more partial-height doors). Each door can be independently opened or closed, allowing flexible access to items of various vertical dimensions. The partial-height doors can be positioned at different vertical locations along the enclosure opening, enabling users to access tall items, short items, or items at intermediate heights without requiring all doors to be opened.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage areas are pre-configured during manufacturing, then the machine can be produced efficiently, but reconfiguration requires opening the enclosure and is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Shelves are designed to be repositionable along vertical tracks or guides within the enclosure, allowing administrators to adjust shelf heights and positions after the machine is manufactured. This dynamic design enables the storage machine to adapt to changing storage needs without requiring enclosure opening or complex disassembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the enclosure opening is kept small for security, then protection is improved, but access to items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure opening is segmented into multiple door sections of different heights that can be independently operated. When accessing short items, only the relevant partial-height door needs to be opened, keeping the effective opening small and maintaining security. When accessing tall items, multiple doors can be opened simultaneously to provide adequate access. This segmented approach allows the opening size to be dynamically adjusted based on the specific access requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
This storage and retrieval machine consists of an enclosure with an enclosure opening and two independently positionable doors, which move vertically to block or provide access into the storage machine. The enclosure contains one or more shelf stacks, where each shelf stack has multiple, easily adjustable, drawer-style shelves to form storage areas of various vertical dimensions. One may combine several shelf stacks to form a rotatable storage cylinder. Shelves used with either the fixed or rotatable shelf supports can be blocked by one or both doors to prohibit their repositioning.