Vertical Tray Rack Storage for Logistics Centers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parcel sorting logistics centers face limitations in maximizing storage density, particularly in height, which restricts the capacity to sort and store parcels efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using pull-out shelves coupled with shuttle robots and forklifts equipped with trays, where pull-out shelves are stored in the lower part of a tray rack and trays are stored above, allowing for dynamic positioning and minimization of free space between trays, enabling multiple layers of storage in a compact footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If pull-out shelves are used in the storage area, then storage capacity is improved, but storage density in height is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstorage height
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal storage arrangement to vertical storage arrangement by introducing vertical stacking of pull-out shelves. Multiple shelves are stacked vertically with support structures, enabling the system to utilize vertical space dimension effectively. This dimensional change allows significantly more parcels to be stored within the same footprint area, directly resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and storage height limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple pull-out shelves are stacked vertically within a confined space. Each shelf is nested within the vertical arrangement, supported by vertical support structures. This nesting approach maximizes the use of vertical space while maintaining organized storage, thereby increasing storage density without requiring additional horizontal area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple pull-out shelves are superimposed, then storage density is improved, but access complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage densityVSAvoidshelf access
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into independent pull-out shelf segments that can be accessed individually. Each shelf is a separate unit that can be pulled out independently from the vertical stack, allowing selective access to specific shelves without disturbing others. This segmentation maintains ease of operation while enabling high storage density through vertical stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic pull-out mechanisms that allow shelves to be extended horizontally for access while remaining vertically stacked. The shelves can move dynamically between stored and accessible positions, maintaining both high storage density and ease of access. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible access to any shelf level without requiring manual reconfiguration of the entire stack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3331780B1Parcel handling method using shuttles, pull-out racking and platform elevator trucks
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SOLYSTIC
  • EP3331780B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3331780B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3331780B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method for handling objects in a logistics centre uses a deposit zone (3) for depositing objects arriving at the centre and a storage zone (11) for storing the objects in which the objects are stored in an ordered manner, pull-out racking (5) coupled to shuttle robots (6), and also platforms (50') placed on elevator trucks (5') coupled to the shuttle robots, and at least one vertical rack for platforms for storing superpositions of object-laden platforms in the storage zone. If an object is loaded onto a pull-out rack in the deposit zone, the shuttle robot stores the object with the pull-out rack in a bottom portion of the platform's rack.