Warehouse Rail Crossing Frame for Low-Noise Vehicle Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse systems experience noise and vibration issues at crossing points due to segmented rail guides, which also increase parts costs and installation time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an integral frame element at crossing points, fastened with connecting elements outside the running rail, to reduce the number of parts and ensure smooth, vibration-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If segmented rail guides with multiple rail segments are used at crossing points, then the guides can be assembled and adjusted, but noise and vibration increase when distribution vehicles drive over the joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple rail segments into a single continuous guide structure at crossing points. Instead of having separate rail segments with visible joints, the guide forms a unified path that distribution vehicles can traverse without encountering discontinuities, thereby eliminating noise and vibration while maintaining assembly capability through modular guide components.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional screw connections are used to fasten rail segments, then installation is simple, but the screws create vibration and noise when driven over
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening elements (screws) from the running surface area where distribution vehicles pass. By positioning connecting elements laterally outside the running rail, the solution removes the source of vibration and noise while preserving the fastening function. The screws are taken out of the critical path and relocated to non-interfering positions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If press-fit threaded bolts are used instead of screws, then noise and vibration are reduced, but parts costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structural arrangement where the guide itself serves as the noise-reducing element. Rather than relying on specialized fasteners like press-fit bolts, the continuous guide structure acts as a mediator that eliminates joint discontinuities, achieving noise reduction through design rather than through expensive specialized components.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If rail segments are offset at different heights, then noise is reduced by avoiding simultaneous contact, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of offsetting rail segments vertically to avoid simultaneous contact, the invention inverts the approach by creating a continuous horizontal running surface. The guide structure maintains consistent height across crossing points while eliminating joints from the running surface, achieving noise reduction through continuity rather than through vertical displacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A warehouse for storing and retrieving goods on load carriers includes racks with transport aisles along which a distribution vehicle can travel. Storage spaces are arranged to the sides of the transport aisles, and a connecting aisle intersects the transport aisles at crossing points. Both the transport aisles and the connecting aisle include guides with a running rail for the vehicle and side walls along the rail. At each junction of a transport aisle with a connecting aisle, four crossing points are defined. The junction is formed as an integral frame element fastened to a rack-mounted horizontal support surface in the region of the crossing points. The frame element is secured by connecting elements positioned laterally outside both the running rail and the plane of the side walls, thereby providing stable support while allowing uninterrupted travel of the distribution vehicle through the intersecting aisles.