Warehousing System with Elevated Shelving for Robot Aisle Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent warehousing systems have limited warehousing capacity and space utilization rate due to the local arrangement of shelving units and the inability of robots to efficiently switch aisles and access high locations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed warehousing system includes multiple layers of shelving units arranged in a storage region with travel aisles and transport passages, allowing robots to operate across different heights and aisles, and includes a second transport passage and third shelving units to further enhance capacity and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If shelving units are arranged locally in the warehousing system, then the system structure is simple, but the warehousing capacity and space utilization rate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by arranging second shelving units above the first transport passage, utilizing the upper-layer space that was previously unused. This multi-level arrangement transforms a two-dimensional floor plan into a three-dimensional space utilization system, significantly increasing warehousing capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The second shelving units are nested within the vertical space above the first transport passage, effectively placing storage structures within the existing system's spatial envelope. This nesting approach allows the system to accommodate additional storage capacity while maintaining the original external dimensions and structure.
2Productivity
If robots operate only at ground level, then the system is easy to operate, but the ability to access high locations and switch aisles efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables robots to operate in the vertical dimension by introducing a lifting gantry that can raise and lower the robot between different height levels. This allows the robot to access goods at both ground level and elevated positions, as well as to traverse between aisles at optimal heights, significantly improving operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting gantry provides multi-functionality by enabling the robot to perform both vertical movement (accessing different heights) and horizontal movement (switching between aisles). This single device combines multiple functions that would otherwise require separate mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while expanding capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If second shelving units are arranged above the first transport passage, then space utilization is improved, but the height requirement exceeds the first height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension above the first transport passage to arrange second shelving units, transforming unused vertical space into functional storage area. This approach increases space utilization without requiring additional horizontal area, effectively adding storage capacity within the existing footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A warehousing system (100) is provided. The system is provided with a storage region (100a) and includes a plurality of first shelving units (111) arranged in the storage region (100a), a plurality of travel aisles (120) formed between the first shelving units (111) facing each other, and a first transport passage (131) in communication with the travel aisles (120). The warehousing system (100) further includes second shelving units (112) arranged in an upper-layer space of the first transport passage (131) and located on two sides of extension lines of the travel aisles (120). A height (HL2) of a lowest goods location of each second shelving unit (112) is greater than a height (HL1) of a lowest goods location of each first shelving unit (111).10 According to the warehousing system (100), the goods locations are arranged above the first transport passage (131) for a robot (10) to switch aisles, which does not affect switching of the aisles by an access robot (10), and can improve warehousing capacity and a space utilization rate.