High-Bay Warehouse Cab Layout for Parallel Storage Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-bay warehouses face challenges in rapid access and high turnover of stored goods due to the limitations of conventional conveyor vehicle lifting devices, which are hindered by the large size and mass of vertical supports, requiring complex guidance and powerful drives, and are not effectively adaptable to non-rigid warehouse structures affected by temperature and mechanical fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval device with a cabin driven by electric motors, capable of moving within a three-dimensional compartment matrix in both vertical and horizontal directions, utilizing actively and passively designed drive tracks with toothed belts and racks for efficient power transmission and guidance, allowing for flexible operation and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional conveyor vehicle lifting device with a large vertical support is used, then storage compartments can be operated, but the device requires complex guidance and powerful drives due to the high mass of the vertical beam
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support is divided into multiple smaller support elements distributed throughout the high-bay warehouse structure. Instead of one large vertical beam, the support function is segmented across multiple smaller components that are easier to guide and control, reducing the complexity of guidance systems while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a ground-based vertical support system to a ceiling-supported system where support elements hang from the roof structure. This dimensional change allows the support elements to be positioned and guided more easily along the vertical axis without the complexity of guiding a massive ground-based beam
2Quantity of substance
If the vertical support and lifting table are made large to provide many storage compartments, then storage capacity increases, but the device requires powerful drives and complex guidance
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small support elements replace one large vertical support, allowing storage compartments to be distributed across multiple smaller units. Each unit requires less drive power, but collectively they provide the same or greater storage capacity with reduced individual power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support elements and lifting tables work together in a coordinated system to achieve the storage capacity of a single large system, but with distributed power requirements that reduce the peak power needed from any single drive
3Device complexity
If a single conveyor vehicle lifting device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the maximum number of stored goods that can be stored or retrieved per unit of time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent support elements and lifting tables that can operate simultaneously. Each element can handle storage and retrieval operations independently, allowing parallel processing that increases overall productivity without requiring an overly complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic allocation of tasks across multiple support elements and lifting tables. The control system can dynamically assign operations to different elements based on current workload, optimizing the storage turnover rate while maintaining manageable device complexity
4Reliability
If conventional lifting devices are used in high-bay warehouses, then storage operations can be performed, but rapid access and high turnover are hindered by the mass and size of vertical supports
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple smaller support elements can be positioned and moved more quickly than a single large vertical support. The segmented structure reduces inertia and allows faster response times for access operations while maintaining the reliability needed for stable storage operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic positioning of multiple lightweight support elements compared to a static or slowly movable large vertical beam. This dynamic capability allows rapid access to different storage compartments while maintaining operational reliability through coordinated control
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
Enables rapid access and high turnover of stored goods through parallel operation of multiple cabins, improving efficiency and adaptability to dynamic warehouse conditions while reducing the need for powerful drives and complex guidance systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing actively and passively designed drive tracks with toothed belts and racks for efficient power transmission and guidance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage and retrieval device (1), in particular for parallel operation of a high-bay warehouse (3), comprising a device frame (11), which has frame compartments (12) arranged to form a three-dimensional compartment matrix (13), and comprising at least one cab (15) used to hold storage goods (4). The electromotively driven cab (15) can be moved within the compartment matrix (13) in a vertical direction (Y) and/or in a second horizontal direction (X) from each frame compartment (12). The invention further relates to an operating method for such a storage and retrieval device (1). The invention thus provides, for the first time, a storage and retrieval device (1) that advantageously realizes fast access because of the movability of at least one cab (15) within a device frame (11) of the storage and retrieval device (1) in a vertical direction (Y) and/or in a second horizontal direction (X) and realizes a high handling rate of storage goods (4) in the operation of a high-bay warehouse (3) because of the parallel operation of a plurality of cabs (15).