Warehouse Shuttle with Nested Gripping Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse systems face inefficiencies in space utilization due to the need for lanes for stacker cranes, limiting optimal storage and retrieval of goods.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle system designed for compact warehouse systems with a two- or three-dimensional arrangement of storage spaces, featuring a shuttle with rollers engaged in rails at the top of lanes, a vertical frame, and a gripping arm with a lifting device, allowing for efficient movement and retrieval of goods without the need for extensive lane space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stacker cranes are used to supply racks with goods, then goods can be stored and retrieved, but lane space is lost for storage of goods
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the warehouse into discrete storage spaces arranged in a matrix of lanes and rows, with shuttles operating independently in each lane. This segmentation eliminates the need for large continuous lanes required by stacker cranes, as each shuttle serves its specific lane with storage spaces accessible from the front or back.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from the traditional lane-based stacker crane approach to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional matrix arrangement of storage spaces. By organizing storage spaces in multiple lanes and rows with shuttles operating in each lane, the system utilizes vertical and horizontal dimensions more efficiently, converting lost lane space into additional storage capacity.
2Area of stationary object
If channel storage systems are used with shuttles, then space usage is improved, but goods can only be accessed in FIFO or LIFO manner
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple discrete storage spaces that can be independently accessed. Instead of accessing goods in a linear FIFO/LIFO sequence through the entire channel, the shuttle can stop at and access any individual storage space along the channel, enabling direct access to any goods position.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle system introduces dynamic positioning capability along the channel, allowing the shuttle to stop at any storage space position rather than being constrained to fixed access points at channel ends. This dynamic operation enables flexible goods access while maintaining compact channel storage.
3Ease of operation
If upper and lower platforms are used to lift goods, then goods access is enabled, but empty space above goods is required for platform movement
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arm is nested within or integrated with the shuttle structure, and the lifting mechanism is contained within the vertical frame. This nesting arrangement allows the lifting components to be housed within the existing shuttle volume rather than requiring additional empty space above the goods for platform movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is achieved through a vertical frame with gripping arm that operates within the vertical dimension of the storage space, rather than using horizontal platforms that require vertical clearance. The lifting device moves the gripping arm vertically within the frame structure, enabling goods access without requiring empty space above the goods.
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
The shuttle system enhances space efficiency by allowing direct access to any storage space, reducing the need for lane space traditionally occupied by stacker cranes, and enabling more compact storage and retrieval operations.
Implementation Method 1
The shuttle comprises rollers engageable in rails extending at the top of the at least one lane. Each of the rollers, once engaged in an associated rail, is capable of rolling (or gliding) along the rail
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a shuttle (200) for retrieving goods in a warehouse system comprising an at least two-dimensional arrangement of storage spaces. The shuttle (200) comprises rollers (250) engageable in rails extending at a top of at least one lane of storage spaces, a vertical frame (210), a gripping arm (240, 242) coupled to a portion of the frame (210) arranged below at least one of the rollers (250), and a lifting device (230) arranged at the portion of the frame (210) for lifting the gripping arm (240, 242) and the goods. Further disclosed is a warehouse system comprising at least one such shuttle (200).