Variable temperature zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems with temperature zones are often designed to accommodate maximum needs, resulting in unnecessary expense and inefficiency, as the zones are either too small or excessively large.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a reconfigurable temperature zone with insulated curtains that can be raised and lowered, and modified storage containers that can be stacked to create insulating walls, allowing for dynamic adjustment of zone sizes based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature zones are designed to accommodate maximum needs, then the zones can handle peak demand, but the zones become excessively large and incur unnecessary infrastructure costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature zones using movable insulation barriers (curtains or walls) that can be repositioned to adjust zone size. This allows the storage system to dynamically adapt temperature zone dimensions based on actual storage needs rather than being fixed at maximum capacity, thereby reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining peak demand capability.
2Reliability
If temperature zones are designed for maximum capacity, then peak demand can be met, but the zones are too large for normal operations resulting in inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses movable insulation barriers that can be repositioned to create appropriately sized temperature zones for current operational needs. During normal operations, zones are reduced to optimal sizes for efficiency, while retaining the capability to expand to maximum capacity when peak demand occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
3Device complexity
If fixed temperature zones are used, then the system structure is simple, but the zones cannot be adjusted to match varying storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable insulation barriers (curtains or walls) that can be repositioned along the storage structure to dynamically adjust temperature zone dimensions. This maintains relatively simple system architecture while enabling flexible adaptation to varying storage requirements, as the barriers can be moved to create zones of different sizes based on actual needs.
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 cost-effective storage by allowing zones to be scaled according to specific needs, reducing unnecessary infrastructure costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an upper region of the reconfigurable temperature zone is separated from a remainder of the automated storage and retrieval system by at least one insulated curtain
Implementation Method 2
a lower region of the reconfigurable temperature zone is separated from other storage columns of the framework structure by modified storage containers that are stacked on top of one another to create an insulating wall
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a variable temperature zone (503, 504, 505, 506, 507) in a storage and retrieval system (1), wherein the storage and retrieval system comprises a framework structure (100) which includes a rail system (108) comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of a container handling vehicle (201, 301, 401) in a first direction (X) across the top of the framework structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the container handling vehicle in a second direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of parallel rails dividing the rail system into a plurality of grid cells, the framework structure comprising upright members (102) defining storage columns (105) for storing containers (106) within the framework structure, wherein the storage and retrieval system comprises at least one container handling vehicle configured to operate on the rail system wherein the different temperature zones are separated by an insulated curtain (501) that can be lowered and raised from the roof and can be moved up and down the length and/or the width of the grid system, and storage containers stacked on top of each other to create an insulating wall in the grid system.