Pneumatically controlled pallet conveying and accumulation system

摘要

First In / First Out (FIFO) accumulating storage systems combine high-density storage with automatic material handling. A traditional FIFO storage system is a flow-through rack which uses gravity to move the pallet from the load end to the unload end. High-density storage installations require a significant difference in height between the load end and the unload end which results in a loss of available storage space. Rack configuration in terms of slope, brake configuration, and roller density is inflexible and are a function of pallet type, size, and weight. Changes in pallet characteristics cannot be easily accommodated by traditional gravity flow storage rack systems. Alternate FIFO storage systems are available that do not use gravity but rather use rollers on a horizontal reciprocating frame with directional flippers to ensure that the load indexes from the load end to the unload end. The limitations of these existing systems have prompted the development of alternative FIFO storage system. This paper details an innovative FIFO storage/handling system and the collaborative effort between a university and private industry to develop this product.