Warehouse Rack System with Mobile Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse racking systems cannot effectively increase storage capacity within existing facilities without expanding the warehouse or altering its structure, and they do not facilitate efficient loading and unloading of goods.
Innovation Solution
A system where warehouse racks are positioned perpendicularly to the working aisle, with a movable shared platform that includes a drive system, power supply, running gear, and lifting system, allowing racks to be moved above the ground and repositioned using sensors for efficient access and storage, enabling maximum space utilization without altering the warehouse infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If warehouse racks are arranged in traditional in-row configuration, then the working aisle space is sufficient for access, but the storage area ratio is low and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is made mobile rather than fixed, allowing racks to dynamically change position between storage configuration (perpendicular to aisle) and access configuration (parallel to aisle). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by enabling high storage density when access is not needed, while maintaining adequate working aisle space when access is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional rack arrangement (in-row perpendicular to aisle) to three-dimensional movement by pulling racks parallel to the aisle on mobile platforms. This dimensional change allows racks to access storage positions that would otherwise be inaccessible, effectively increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing working aisle space.
2Quantity of substance
If double deep rack systems are used to increase storage density, then the storage area ratio improves, but the speed of loading and unloading goods decreases due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile rack system dynamically adjusts accessibility by pulling racks parallel to the aisle during access operations. This eliminates the fixed accessibility limitations of double deep systems, allowing any rack position to be accessed directly without requiring retrieval of intermediate racks, thus maintaining high loading/unloading speed while achieving high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform acts as an intermediary between the rack and the working aisle, enabling direct access to any rack position. This mediator allows the system to achieve both high storage density (through perpendicular arrangement) and high accessibility (through parallel movement), resolving the contradiction between storage ratio and productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If more racks are added to increase storage capacity, then the amount of stored goods increases, but the warehouse structure must be altered or expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile rack system can be easily added or reconfigured without permanent structural modifications. Racks are pulled parallel to the aisle on mobile platforms that can navigate existing warehouse spaces, allowing increased storage capacity through flexible deployment rather than fixed structural expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of rack deployment from fixed in-position storage to mobile parallel-to-aisle storage. This parameter change allows racks to be positioned optimally for storage density without requiring structural alterations, as the mobile platforms can operate within existing warehouse clearances and configurations.
4Quantity of substance
If racks are positioned perpendicular to the working aisle for maximum storage density, then storage area is maximized, but direct access to all pallet slots is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system dynamically switches between perpendicular positioning (for maximum storage density) and parallel positioning (for direct access). During storage operations, racks are arranged perpendicular to the aisle to maximize density. During access operations, the mobile platform pulls the rack parallel to the aisle, providing direct access to all pallet slots without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses three-dimensional movement to resolve the access conflict. By pulling racks parallel to the aisle on mobile platforms, the system provides direct access to pallet slots that would be obscured in traditional perpendicular arrangements, while maintaining the ability to configure racks perpendicular to the aisle for maximum storage density when access is not required.
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 system maximizes warehouse space, facilitates easy adaptation to changing storage needs, and allows for direct and efficient loading/unloading of goods without altering the warehouse structure, providing flexible and secure access to multiple pallet slots.
Implementation Method 1
the rack lifting system is in the form of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
the rack lifting system is in the form of a crank or knee or eccentric or screw mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The wheels are made of plastic or rubber or steel
Implementation Method 4
the positioning system of the shared platform extending or retracting the selected rack is in the form of a hydraulic motor driving the sprocket wheel of the extending mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A system of warehouse racks placed perpendicularly to a working aisle. After selecting a place of storage of a given product, at least one rack is moved to the working aisle. The goods are placed or removed from the indicated place in the rack, and then the rack is moved to an initial position. The movement of the rack to the working aisle and its return to its initial position is made by movable, shared platform moving under at least one row of racks that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the rack and parallel to the working aisle. The system includes a drive system, a power supply system, at least one running gear, a rack lifting system and a positioning system extending or retracting the rack. During movement to the working aisle and return to the initial position, the rack is lifted above the ground surface by the positioning system of the shared platform.