20240025457. SYSTEM FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING STORAGE CONTAINERS simplified abstract (Autostore Technology AS)
Contents
SYSTEM FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING STORAGE CONTAINERS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
SYSTEM FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING STORAGE CONTAINERS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240025457 titled 'SYSTEM FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING STORAGE CONTAINERS
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a system for storing and transporting storage containers using an automated storage and retrieval grid. The system includes vertical members that define multiple storage columns for stacking storage containers vertically. These vertical members are interconnected at their upper ends by a container handling vehicle rail system.
The container handling vehicle rail system guides at least one container handling vehicle, which is capable of raising and lowering storage containers into the storage columns and transporting them above the storage columns. The rail system consists of a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in one direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the same horizontal plane but extending in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. These rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane, with each grid cell accommodating a container handling vehicle.
A transfer column is provided for transporting storage containers between the container handling vehicle and a delivery space located at the lower end of the transfer column. A delivery system is also included, which consists of a first delivery rail system with parallel rails arranged in a second horizontal plane. This rail system guides at least one delivery vehicle, which can receive and deliver storage containers at a storage container delivery location below the delivery space of the transfer column. The delivery vehicle can move between the storage container delivery location and a second location, with the first delivery rail system covering the area between these two locations.
Additionally, a vehicle lift device is incorporated to transfer the delivery vehicle between a first lift stop position adjacent to the second location in the second horizontal plane and a second lift stop position adjacent to a third location in a third horizontal plane at a different vertical level than the second horizontal plane.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Efficient storage and retrieval of storage containers in warehouses or distribution centers.
- Streamlining logistics operations by automating the handling and transportation of storage containers.
- Maximizing storage capacity by stacking containers vertically.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Reduces the need for manual labor in handling and transporting storage containers.
- Optimizes space utilization by stacking containers vertically.
- Improves efficiency and accuracy in storage and retrieval processes.
Benefits of this technology:
- Increases productivity and throughput in storage and logistics operations.
- Reduces the risk of damage to storage containers during handling and transportation.
- Saves time and labor costs by automating repetitive tasks.
Original Abstract Submitted
a system for storing and transporting storage containers includes an automated storage and retrieval grid including vertical members defining multiple storage columns for storing storage containers on top of each other in vertical stacks. the vertical members are interconnected at their upper ends by a container handling vehicle rail system arranged to guide at least one container handling vehicle being configured to raise storage containers from, and lower storage containers into, the storage columns, and to transport the storage containers above the storage columns. the container handling vehicle rail system includes a first set of parallel rails arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the first horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the first horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent container handling vehicle grid cells. each container handling vehicle grid cell includes a container handling vehicle grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set of rails. a transfer column is adapted for transport of a storage container between the container handling vehicle and a delivery space is situated at a lower end of the transfer column. a delivery system includes a first delivery rail system having at least one set of parallel rails arranged in a second horizontal plane guiding at least one delivery vehicle thereon. the delivery vehicle is adapted to receive and/or deliver a storage container at a storage container delivery location arranged below the delivery space of the transfer column and to move between the storage container delivery location and a second location, the first delivery rail system covers at least an area extending from the storage container delivery location to the second location. a vehicle lift device for transfer of the at least one delivery vehicle between a first lift stop position adjacent the second location in the second horizontal plane and a second lift stop position adjacent a third location arranged in a third horizontal plane being at a different vertical level than the second horizontal plane.
