Storage systems and methods
AssigneeOcado Innovation Limited
InventorsLars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Paul Clarke, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers (10) and the containers (10) are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The containers (10) may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, and data logging means. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.
Claims19
A storage system comprising:
- a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern including a plurality of grid spaces forming a framework;
- a plurality of containers arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails and;
- and
- at least one load handling device disposed on the grid, arranged to move laterally above the stacks on the rails, the load handling device including a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack,
- wherein a number of the containers comprise service means for providing services to the number of containers, thereby enabling the number of containers within the stacks to perform additional functions, each of the number of the containers being a bottom container in a stack that has the service means connected to power supply means and at least one other supply means routed through a base of the storage system via connectors, and
- wherein the plurality of containers arranged in the stacks are held in said stacks by cooperating surfaces forming interference fits between adjacent containers.
A method of condition monitoring a storage system, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing sensor means and data logging means within at least one storage container;
- b. providing, within the at least one storage container, communication means to communicate data logged to a central data logging device;
- c. providing, within a number of storage containers within stacks of the storage system, services to enable the number of containers within the stacks to perform additional functions, each of the number of the containers including a bottom container in a stack that has the service means connected to power supply means and at least one other supply means routed through a base of the storage system via connectors;
- d. positioning one or more containers within the storage system to be monitored by interconnecting co-operating surfaces between adjacent containers;
- and
- e. monitoring the data received.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.