Container Handling Vehicle Elevator for In-Situ Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently servicing malfunctioning container handling vehicles without requiring a large area and disrupting the system's operation, while ensuring a safe working environment for service personnel.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a vehicle elevator that transports malfunctioning container handling vehicles to an accessing area for in-situ maintenance, using a platform that moves between two vertically offset lift stop positions, allowing maintenance without halting the system and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a service vehicle and large area are used to service malfunctioning container handling vehicles, then the malfunctioning vehicle can be serviced, but the system requires extensive space and may disrupt operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing an elevator mechanism that transports the malfunctioning container handling vehicle from the horizontal rail system level up to an accessing area positioned above the storage columns. This dimensional transition allows servicing to occur in a previously unused vertical space within the framework structure, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal space while maintaining full vehicle accessibility for maintenance operations
2Ease of repair
If the system is halted to service a malfunctioning vehicle, then comprehensive maintenance can be performed, but system productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the malfunctioning container handling vehicle from the active rail system by transporting it via elevator to a dedicated accessing area positioned above the storage columns. This separation allows the vehicle to be removed from the operational workflow while maintaining accessibility for service personnel, enabling comprehensive maintenance to be performed on the extracted vehicle without interrupting the continuous operation of the remaining system components
3Ease of repair
If service personnel access the rail system level directly, then vehicle maintenance is possible, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elevator as an intermediary transport mechanism that carries service personnel and the malfunctioning vehicle from the ground level or rail system level up to an elevated accessing area. This intermediary system provides a controlled and safe transition, isolating service personnel from the active rail system environment and positioning them in a secure accessing area above the storage columns where maintenance can be performed without exposure to moving vehicles or operational hazards
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system (1) for storing storage containers (106) wherein container handling vehicles (201, 301) are configured to raise storage containers (106) from, and lower storage containers (106) into, storage columns (105), and to transport the storage containers (106) horizontally above the storage columns (105). In particular, the invention relates to such system comprising a container handling vehicle elevator (600) having a vertically extending support (612), a platform (602) and a lift mechanism (604). The lift mechanism (604) is arranged to move the platform (602) between a first lift stop position (P1), which establishes access between the platform (602) and the rail system (108), and a second lift stop position (P2), which establishes access between the platform (602) and a accessing area (700) for a human operator (800) and/or robot to perform in-situ maintenance on the container handling vehicle (201,301) when arranged at the second lift stop position.