WO2025120676A1

WO2025120676A1 - A storage and retrieval system

Info

Publication number: WO2025120676A1
Application number: PCT/IN2024/052347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhijith TG
Original assignee: Wolvbot Private Ltd
Current assignee: Wolvbot Private Ltd
Priority date: 2023-12-06
Filing date: 2024-12-06
Publication date: 2025-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-06

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a storage and retrieval system (100). The system includes a winch mechanism (150) adapted to receive and operate a cable (102). An idler mechanism (200) positioned opposite to the winch mechanism (150) adapted to receive the cable. A shuttle (250) supported on the cable (102) to traverse between the winch mechanism (150) and the idler mechanism (200). The shuttle (250) dispenses and retrieves a container (300) into and out of shelves (351). The shuttle (250) includes a platform (251) connected to the cable (102) and defined with a bottom top surface. An arm (254) and a plunger (255) operatively connected to the bottom surface (252) and a retractor (256) operatively connected to the top surface (253). Further, a drive unit (257) is fixed to the platform (251), for operating the plunger and the retractor to displace the container.

Description

A STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of storage, logistics and inventory management. Particularly but not exclusively the present disclosure discloses a storage and retrieval system.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUR

Generally, in warehouses, manufacturing spaces and in distribution, retail, and wholesale operations, manual labour is required for retrieval and storage of arts and loads from shelves of storage units. Such manual labour for retrieval and storage of loads is time-consuming and cost-intensive. Additionally, manual labour, introduces inefficiencies in tasks like locating and moving loads in a warehouse. These challenges, are amplified especially during peak operational hours, which can hinder overall productivity. Furthermore, the use of manual labour for such activities, subject workers to various physical limitations that have operational ramifications. The risk of fatigue and the potential for injuries resulting from tasks like heavy lifting and repetitive motions are high. Over time, these limitations contribute towards declining efficiency and increased worker fatigue, compromising both individual performance and the overall productivity of the warehouse.

In addition to these challenges, manual labour is prone to errors. That is, manual labour is more susceptible to mistakes that can lead to order inaccuracies, customer dissatisfaction, and subsequent increases in costs attributed to returns, corrections, and reconciliation efforts. Furthermore, manual labour often demands a substantial footprint within the warehouse layout, consuming valuable floor space. This allocation of space translates into increased real estate costs, particularly in situations where warehouse space is at a premium. The challenges in scaling operations up or down in response to changing order volumes and inventory fluctuations can be particularly daunting when relying solely on manual labour and fixed work hours. Further, hiring, training, and release of additional workers become intricate, timeconsuming endeavours, often accompanied by substantial financial investments. These limitations can undermine the agility of the warehouse in adapting to market fluctuations and evolving business needs.

With advancement in technologies, stacker cranes have been developed to satisfy storage and retrieval requirements. The stacker cranes feature a rigid mast that spans the entire height of the storage units. Due to the large design of the mast and other components involved in the stacker cranes, the material costs are elevated. Additionally, due to the weight of such stacker cranes, high-capacity actuators are required for operation, further increasing the overall cost and reducing energy efficiency. Consequently, implementing such stacker cranes for storage and retrieval requirements result in a capital-intensive endeavour. Furthermore, the stacker crane’s operational pattern involves frequent back-and-forth movement between input and output point, which are usually located at the comer of the storage units, and the specific load location for every order retrieval, resulting in high order engagement time. Further, such fixed input and output point, and the crane’s reliance on a fixed movement path limit the number of stacker cranes that can be accommodated proximal to the storage units. Such factors necessitate large number of stacker cranes to achieve a specific throughput, which is undesired.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional systems.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a system of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a storage and retrieval system is disclosed. The storage and retrieval system includes at least one winch mechanism which is movably disposed proximal to a top portion of a storage unit. The at least one winch mechanism is adapted to receive and operate at least one cable. Further, the storage and retrieval system includes at least one idler mechanism which is positioned opposite to the at least one winch mechanism, proximal to a bottom portion of the storage unit. The at least one idler mechanism is adapted to receive the at least one cable from the at least one winch mechanism. Furthermore, the storage and retrieval system includes a shuttle which is supported on the at least one cable. The shuttle is adapted to traverse between the at least one winch mechanism and the at least one idler mechanism. The shuttle is adapted to dispense and retrieve a container into and out of shelves defined in the storage unit. The shuttle includes a platform which is connected to a portion of the at least one cable. The platform is defined with a bottom surface and a top surface. Further, the shuttle includes at least one arm which extends from the bottom surface of the platform and is adapted to engage with the container for transporting the container between the at least one winch mechanism and the at least one idler mechanism. Furthermore, the shuttle includes a plunger that is movably disposed on the bottom surface of the platform. The plunger is adapted to displace the container engaged with the at least one arm into the shelves defined in the storage unit. Additionally, the shuttle includes a retractor which is movably disposed on the top surface of the platform. The retractor is adapted to engage with the container stored in the shelves and displace the container onto the top surface of the platform. Further, the shuttle includes a drive unit that is operably fixed to the platform. The drive unit is connectable to the plunger and the retractor, and is adapted to operate the plunger and the retractor to displace the container relative to the platform.

In an embodiment, the storage and retrieval system includes a frame that extends between the at least one winch mechanism and the at least one idler mechanism. The frame is defined with a first end connectable to the at least one winch mechanism and a second end connectable to the at least one idler mechanism.

In an embodiment, the at least one winch mechanism includes a chassis that is connectable to the top portion of the storage unit. The chassis is defined with a primary end and a secondary end. Further, the at least one mechanism includes a first actuator that is fixed to the primary end of the chassis. Further, a first winch is rotatably disposed on the chassis and operatively coupled to the first actuator, where the first winch is adapted to receive and displace the at least one cable. Furthermore, the at least one winch mechanism includes a second actuator which is fixed to the secondary end of the chassis. Additionally, a second winch is rotatably disposed on the chassis and is operatively coupled to the second actuator, where the second winch is adapted to receive and displace the at least one cable. The first actuator and the second actuator are adapted to operate the first winch and the second winch to traverse the shuttle between the at least one winch mechanism and the at least one idler mechanism.

In an embodiment, the at least one idler mechanism includes a support beam and a first drum rotatably connected to the support beam in line with the first winch. The first drum is adapted to receive the at least one cable extending from the first winch and rotate corresponding to operation of the first winch to displace the at least one cable. Further, the at least one idler mechanism includes a second drum which is rotatably connected to the support beam in line with the second winch. The second drum is adapted to receive the at least one cable extending from the second winch and rotate corresponding to operation of the second winch to displace the at least one cable.

In an embodiment, the shuttle includes a plurality of guide members extending from the platform. The plurality of guide members are adapted to engage the frame and ride on the frame corresponding to traversal of the platform between the first end and the second end of the frame.

In an embodiment, the shuttle includes a third actuator which is operatively coupled to the drive unit. The third actuator is adapted to actuate the drive unit to operate the plunger and the retractor.

In an embodiment, the shuttle includes at least one protrusion extending from sides of the platform. The at least one protrusion on each side of the platform is rigidly connected to the at least one cable extending from the first winch and the second winch to traverse the platform corresponding to displacement of the at least one cable.

In an embodiment, the storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of first driving members that are connected to the chassis of the at least one winch mechanism. The plurality of first driving members are adapted to displace the at least one winch mechanism relative to the storage unit.

In an embodiment, the storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of second driving members that are connected to the support beam of the at least one idler mechanism. The plurality of second driving members are adapted to displace the at least one idler mechanism relative to the storage unit.

In an embodiment, the plunger is defined with two engaging faces defined opposite to each other and adapted to contact and displace the container.

In an embodiment, the retractor includes a body and at least two engaging fingers extending on opposite ends of the body. The at least two engaging fingers are adapted to engage with the container and displace the container from the shelves of the storage unit onto the top surface of the platform. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a container for a storage and retrieval system is disclosed. The container includes a body defined with a first set of walls positioned opposite to each other and a second set of walls extending between the first set of walls. Further, the container includes a base extending between ends of each of the first set of walls and the second set of walls. The base is adapted to support goods to be stored in the container. Furthermore, the container includes a flange extending along a periphery of the body opposite to the base. The flange is adapted to receive a portion of a shuttle of the storage and retrieval system to vertically transport the container. Additionally, a provision is defined in at least one of the first set of walls and the second set of walls. The provision is adapted to engage with the shuttle of the storage and retrieval system to horizontally displace the container.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and retrieval system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a storage and retrieval system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a winch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an idler mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of at least one cable connected between a winch and an idler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a shuttle supported on the at least one cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the shuttle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7b illustrates a top perspective view of the shuttle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8a-8c illustrates operation of the shuttle to engage at least one arm with a container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9a & 9b illustrates operation of the shuttle to dispense the container into shelves of a storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10a & 10b illustrates operation of the shuttle to retrieve the container from the shelves onto the shuttle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. Ila illustrates a perspective view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11b illustrates a perspective view of the container with a release button, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 illustrates a front view of the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures illustrating a system. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs 1 to 12.

Fig. 1 and 2 discloses a storage and retrieval system (100). The storage and retrieval system (100) [hereafter referred to as system (100)] may be adapted to assist in storing and retrieval of loads into and out of shelves (351) within a storage unit (350) [as seen in Fig. 12]. The storage unit (350) and the system (100) may be employed in a facility/warehouse/any other location that may be designed for storage of goods and other materials. The storage unit (350) may employ a container (300) which may be adapted to be positioned in the shelves (351). Further, the storage unit (350) may include rails (352) or any other suitable guiding means that may be fixed to a floor portion and a roof portion of the storage unit (350). Additionally, the storage unit (350) may include conveying mechanism including but not limited to conveyors, automated guided vehicles, automated mobile robots and the like, that may be provisioned proximal to the floor portion and the roof portion of the storage unit (350). The conveyers may be adapted to supply the containers (300) into and out of the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the conveyer provisioned proximal to the floor portion of the storage unit (350) may be adapted to supply the containers (300) into the storage unit (350) and the conveyer provisioned proximal to the roof portion of the storage unit (350) may be adapted to supply the containers (300) out the storage, and vice versa.

As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the system (100) may include at least one winch mechanism (150). The at least one winch mechanism (150) may be movably disposed proximal to a top portion of a storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the winch mechanism (150) may be movably disposed on rails (352) or may be disposed an any other means provisioned on the top portion of the storage unit (350). The at least one winch mechanism (150) is adapted to receive and operate at least one cable (102). In an illustrative embodiment, the system (100) includes two winch mechanisms (150), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the system (100) may include less than two or more than two winch mechanisms (150), based on operational requirement. Further, referring to Fig. 3, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a chassis (160) that may be connectable to the top portion of the storage unit (350). The chassis (160) may be defined with a primary end (160a) and a secondary end (160b). In an embodiment, the chassis (160) may be made of a desired material which may be capable of providing structural rigidity and strength to the system (100). In an embodiment, the chassis (160) may be formed by a single structural element or may be formed by coupling/fixing multiple structural elements which may provide structural stability and rigidity to the at least one winch mechanism (150). Furthermore, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a first actuator (151) which may be fixed to the primary end (160a) of the chassis (160). In an embodiment, the first actuator (151) may be including but not limited to a rotary actuator capable of exerting a rotary motion. Additionally, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a first winch (152) which may be rotatably disposed on the chassis (160) adjacent to the first actuator (151) and may be operatively coupled to the first actuator (151). That is, the first actuator (151) upon actuation may be adapted to rotate the first winch (152). In an embodiment, the first actuator (151) may be adapted to selectively rotate the first winch (152) in a clock wise direction and an anti-clockwise direction. The first winch (152) coupled to the first actuator (151) may be adapted to receive and displace the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) may be wound around the first winch (152) for a predefined amount of turns such that the at least one cable (102) may displace linearly upon rotation of the first winch (152) without slipping. Also, the first winch (152) may be defined with grooves for supporting the at least one cable (102) and allowing linear displacement of the at least one cable (102) based on rotation of the first winch (152). Further, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a second actuator (153) which may be fixed to the secondary end (160b) of the chassis (160). In an embodiment, the second actuator (153) may be including but not limited to a rotary actuator capable of exerting a rotary motion. Additionally, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a second winch (154) which may be rotatably disposed on the chassis (160) adjacent to the second actuator (153) and may be operatively coupled to the second actuator (153). That is, the second actuator (153) upon actuation may be adapted to rotate the second winch (154). In an embodiment, the second actuator (153) may be adapted to selectively rotate the second winch (154) in a clock wise direction and an anti-clockwise direction. The second winch (154) coupled to the second actuator (153) may be adapted to receive and displace the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) may be wound around the second winch (154) for a predefined amount of turns such that the at least one cable (102) may displace linearly upon rotation of the second winch (154) without slipping. Also, the second winch (154) may be defined with grooves in an opposite direction of the grooves of the first winch (152), for supporting the at least one cable (102) and allowing linear displacement of the at least one cable (102) based on rotation of the second winch (154). In an illustrated embodiment, the at least one winch mechanism (150) includes two winches, however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include less than or more than two winches based on operational requirements.

In an embodiment, as seen in Fig. 3, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a plurality of first driving members (156) connected to the chassis (160). In an embodiment, the plurality of first driving members (156) may be connected to any portion of the chassis (160) which may be suitable for displacing the at least one winch mechanism (150). The plurality of first driving members (156) may be adapted to displace the at least one winch mechanism (150) relative to the storage unit (350). That is, the plurality of first driving members (156) may be disposed proximal to a top portion of the storage unit (350) and may displace the at least one winch mechanism (150) along a length of the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the plurality of first driving members (156) may be self-powered or may be operatively coupled to the first actuator (151) and receive rotational motion. In an embodiment, the plurality of first driving members (156) may be drive wheels that may be adapted to engage with the top portion of the storage unit (350) or the rails (352) provisioned at the top portion of the storage unit (350) to displace the at least one winch mechanism (150). Further, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a first transmission unit (155). The first transmission unit (155) may be provisioned between the first actuator (151) and the first winch (152) to transmit rotational motion from the first actuator (151) to the first winch (152). Also, the first transmission unit (155) may be provisioned between the second actuator (153) and the second winch (154) to transmit rotational motion from the second actuator (153) to the second winch (154). In an embodiment, the first transmission unit (155) may also be adapted to transmit rotational motion from first actuator (151) to the plurality of first driving members (156) for displacing the at least one winch mechanism (150) relative to the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the plurality of first driving members (156) may be operatively connected to the first transmission unit (155).

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of first driving members (156) may be operated by the first actuator (151), such that the plurality of first driving members (156) may not operate the first winch (152) and the second winch (154). Further, the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) of at least one winch mechanism (1500 may be operated by the second actuator (153). That is, the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) may be operatively connected to each other by a drive shaft. The drive shaft may enable rotation of the first winch (152) upon rotation of the second winch (154), and vice versa. During operation, the second actuator (153) may rotate the second winch (154), which may in-turn rotate the first winch (152) due to connection through the drive shaft for displacing the at least one cable (102).

Referring again to Fig. 3, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include a first bracket (157) which may be fixed at the primary end (160a) and the secondary end (160b) of the chassis (160). The first bracket (157) may be adapted to support the first actuator (151), the first winch

(152) and the first transmission unit (155) upon being fixed at the primary end (160a) of the chassis (160). Further, the first bracket (157) may be adapted to support the second actuator

(153), the second winch (154) and the first transmission unit (155) upon being fixed at the secondary end (160b) of the chassis (160). The first bracket (157) may also be adapted to provide structural rigidity and stiffness to the chassis (160) of the chassis (160). Furthermore, the at least one winch mechanism (150) may include two or more stiffeners (158) that may be provisioned in the chassis (160) adjacent to the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) opposite to the first bracket (157). The two or more stiffeners (158) may be adapted to support the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) opposite to the first bracket (157) and provide the required rigidity and stiffness to the chassis (160).

Further, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the system (100) may include at least one idler mechanism (200). The idler mechanism (200) may be positioned opposite to the at least one winch mechanism (150). That is, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may be movably disposed proximal to the bottom portion of the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may be movably disposed on rails (352) or may be disposed an any other means provisioned on the bottom portion of the storage unit (350). The at least one idler mechanism (200) may be adapted to receive and operate at least one cable (102) extending from the at least one winch mechanism (150). In an illustrative embodiment, the system (100) includes two idler mechanisms (200) in line with the two winch mechanisms (150), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the system (100) may include less than two or more than two idler mechanisms (200), based on number of winch mechanisms (150) and operational requirements. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a support beam (201). In an embodiment, the support beam (201) may be made of a desired material which may be capable of providing structural rigidity and strength to the at least one idler mechanism (200) and system (100).

Additionally, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a first drum (202) that may be rotatably connected to the support beam (201) in line with the first winch (152). That is, the system (100) may be structured such that the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200) may be positioned one above the other and in line with each other. Further, the first drum (202) may be adapted to receive the at least one cable (102) extending from the first winch (152) and rotate corresponding to operation of the first winch (152) to displace the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) extending from the first winch (152) may be wound around the first drum (202) for a predefined amount of turns such that the at least one cable (102) may displace linearly upon rotation of the first drum (202) without slipping. Also, the first drum (202) may be defined with grooves for supporting the at least one cable (102) and allowing linear displacement of the at least one cable (102) based on rotation of the first winch (152). Additionally, the at least one idler mechanism (200) includes a second drum (203) which is rotatably connected to the support beam (201) in line with the second winch (154). The second drum (203) may be adapted to receive the at least one cable (102) extending from the second winch (154) and rotate corresponding to operation of the second winch (154) to displace the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the first drum (202) and the second drum (203) may be rotatably connected to opposite ends of the support beam (201), such that the first drum (202) aligns with the first winch (152) and the second drum (203) aligns with the second winch (154). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) extending from the second winch (154) may be wound around the second drum (203) for a predefined amount of turns such that the at least one cable (102) may displace linearly upon rotation of the second drum (203) without slipping. Also, the second winch (154) may be defined with grooves in an opposite direction of the grooves of the first drum (202), for supporting the at least one cable (102) and allowing linear displacement of the at least one cable (102) based on rotation of the second drum (203).

In an embodiment, the first drum (202) and the second drum (203) may be free to rotate or may be connectable to a rotary actuator such that the first drum (202) and the second drum (203) may be actuated for operating/displacing the at least one cable (102). In an illustrated embodiment, the at least one idler mechanism (200) includes two drums, however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include less than or more than two drums based on operational requirements.

In an embodiment, as seen in Fig. 5, the at least one cable (102) connected between the first winch (152) and the first drum (202) forms a closed loop and linearly displaces based on rotational motion exerted by the first winch (152). In an illustrative embodiment, the system (100) utilizes a cable, however, this should not considered as a limitation as the system (100) may work with alternatives of the cable, such as but not limited to, chains, ropes, wires, combinations and the like. Further, the at least one cable (102) connected between the second winch (154) and the second drum (203) also forms a closed loop and linearly displaces based on rotational motion exerted by the second winch (154). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) may be connected with a predefined tension between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). The predefined tension may be determined based on the tension required by the cable (102) to operate without slippage and to displace the at least one idler mechanism (200) based on displacement of the at least one winch mechanism (150). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) may be made of including but not limited to high strength metals, metal alloys, and high strength non-metals. In an embodiment, the at least one cable (102) enables the system (100) to operate with less weight, thereby increasing power to weight ratio for enhanced operational efficiency.

Referring again to Fig. 4, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a plurality of second driving members (204) connected to the support beam (201). The plurality of second driving members (204) may be adapted to displace the at least one idler mechanism (200) relative to the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the plurality of second driving members (204) may be connected to any portion of the support beam (201) which may be suitable for displacing the at least one idler mechanism (200). The plurality of second driving member (204) may be adapted to displace the at least one idler mechanism (200) relative to the storage unit (350). That is, the plurality of second driving members (204) may be disposed at the bottom portion of the storage unit (350) and may displace the at least one idler mechanism (200) along a length of the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the plurality of second driving members (204) may be self-powered or may be operatively coupled to an actuator and receive rotational motion. In an embodiment, the plurality of second driving members (204) may be drive wheels that may be adapted to engage with the bottom portion of the storage unit (350) or the rails (352) provisioned at the bottom portion of the storage unit (350) to displace the at least one idler mechanism (200). Further, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a second transmission unit (207). The second transmission unit (207) may be provisioned between the actuators and the plurality of second driving members (204) to transmit rotational motion from the actuator to the plurality of second driving members (204). Additionally, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a plurality of third driving members (205) which may be rotatably fixed to the support beam (201). The third driving members (205) may be including but not limited to wheels that may be free to rotate and may be adapted to provide support to the at least one idler mechanism (200) during displacement relative to the bottom portion of the storage unit (350). Furthermore, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a driving member mount (206) which may be connected to the support beam (201) and may be adapted to receive and rotatably couple the plurality of third driving members (205) to the support beam (201). In an embodiment, the driving member mount (206) may be provisioned with a suspension element that may be adapted to provide stability to the at least one idler mechanism (200) upon displacing relative to the storage unit (350).

Additionally, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include a second bracket (208) which may be fixed at the ends of the support beam (201). The second bracket (208) may be adapted to support the first the first drum (202) and the second transmission unit (207) upon being fixed at one end of the support beam (201). Further, the second bracket (208) may be adapted to support the second drum (203) and the second transmission unit (207) upon being fixed at another end of the support beam (201), opposite to the one end. The second bracket (208) may also be adapted to provide structural rigidity and stiffness to the support beam (201). In an embodiment, the at least one idler mechanism (200) may include at least one tensioners [not shown in Figs.]. The at least one tensioners may be adapted to regulate tension of the at least one cable (102) extending between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200).

Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, the system (100) may include a frame (101) which may extend between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). The frame (101) may be defined with a first end connectable to the at least one winch mechanism (150) and a second end connectable to the at least one idler mechanism (200). In an embodiment, the frame (101) may include a plurality of elongated structures which may extend from a portion of the at least one winch mechanism (150) to the at least one idler mechanism (200). In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of elongated structures may extend from the primary end (160a) and the secondary end (160b) of the chassis (160) of the at least one winch mechanism (150) and connect to ends of the support beam (201) of the at least one idler mechanism (200) that may be aligned with the primary end (160a) and the secondary end (160b) of the chassis (160). Further, the frame (101) may include a plurality of intermediate elements (101a) that may extend between each of the plurality of elongated structures. The frame (101) having the plurality of elongated structures and the plurality of intermediate elements (101a) provide required structural rigidity and strength to the system (100). Additionally, the frame (101) may enable simultaneous and equal displacement of both the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). Furthermore, the frame (101) facilitates constant alignment between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). Further, the frame (101) may prevent generation of oscillations in the at least one cable (102) during operation of the system (100). In an embodiment, the system (100) may function and operate without the frame (101) by coordinated displacement and operation of both the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200).

Further, as seen in Figs. 6, 7a and 7b, the system (100) may include a shuttle (250) which may be supported on the at least one cable (102). The shuttle (250) may be adapted to traverse between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). That is, upon operation of the first winch (152) and the second winch (154), the shuttle (250) may be adapted to traverse between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200) due to linear displacement of the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the first actuator (151) and the second actuator (153) of the at least one winch mechanism (150) are adapted to operate the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) to traverse the shuttle (250) between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). The shuttle (250) may be adapted to dispense and retrieve the container (300) into and out of the shelves (351) defined in the storage unit (350). Further, the shuttle (250) may include a platform (251) which may be connected to a portion of the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the platform (251) may be a single component or may be a combination of components. That is, the platform (251) may be made of a single metallic or non-metallic plate or may be made of combinations of parts. For example, the platform (251) may be made/manufactured by at least one of plates, beams, brackets, struts, fasteners and any other physical part capable of defining a surface capable of supporting the container (300). Further, the platform (251) may be defined with a bottom surface (252) and a top surface (253). In an embodiment, the bottom surface (252) may be oriented towards the at least one idler mechanism (200) and the top surface (253) may be oriented towards the at least one winch mechanism (150).

Further, the shuttle (250) includes at least one protrusion (258) that may extend from sides of the platform (251). The at least one protrusion (258) that may extend from each side of the platform (251), may be rigidly connected to the at least one cable (102) extending from the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) to traverse the platform (251) corresponding to displacement of the at least one cable (102). That is, as the platform (251) is rigidly connected to the at least one cable (102), any vertical displacement of the cable (102) traverses the platform (251) [thus, the shuttle (250)] in the vertical direction. In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion (258) may be connected to the at least one cable (102) such that, the at least one cable may be restricted from displacing vertically and may be capable of displacing horizontally within the at least one protrusion (258), thereby facilitating adjustment of the shuttle (250) during traversal and operation. Further, such horizontal displacement of the at least one cable (102) within the at least one protrusion (258) mitigates excessive tension from being exerted on the at least one cable (102). In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion (258) may be an integral part of the platform (251) or may extend from the side of the platform (251) connectors. Further, in an embodiment, the at least one protrusion (258) may be any component which may be capable of rigidly connecting with the at least one cable (102) without slippage, such that the shuttle (250) is rigidly fixed to the required portion of the at least one cable (102). For example, the at least one protrusion (258) may be a sleeve or any other type of means capable of supporting the shuttle (250) on the at least one cable (102).

Furthermore, the shuttle (250) may include a plurality of guide members that may extend from the platform (251). The plurality of guide members may be connected to the platform (251) though guide member connector (259a). In an embodiment, the guide member connector (259a) may extend from any portion at the sides of the platform (251) or may extend further from the at least one protrusion (258). The plurality of guide members may be adapted to engage with the frame (101) and ride on the frame (101) corresponding to traversal of the platform (251) between the first end and the second end of the frame (101). In an embodiment, the plurality of guide members may be at least one of a roller which may be capable of rolling/riding along the height of the frame (101) during traversal of the shuttle (250). In another embodiment, the plurality of guide members may be any part having a profile corresponding to a surface of the frame (101) such that, the plurality of guide members may slide along the frame (101) during traversal of the shuttle (250). The plurality of guide members facilitate stability to the shuttle (250) during traversal of the shuttle (250) between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200).

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7a, the shuttle (250) may include at least one arm (254) extending from the bottom surface (252) of the platform (251). The at least one arm (254) may be adapted to engage with the container (300) for transporting the container (300) between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200). In an embodiment, the at least one arm (254) may be adapted to engage and pick-up the container (300) from a bottom portion of the storage unit (350) and securely traverse the container (300) between the at least one idler mechanism (200) and the at least one winch mechanism (150). Further, the shuttle

(250) may include a plurality of arm connectors (254a), which may extend from at least one of the bottom surface (252) and the sides of the platform (251). The plurality of arm connectors (254a) may be adapted to support and position the at least one arm (254) at a predefined offset to the bottom surface (252) of the platform (251). In an embodiment, the at least one arm (254) may be defined with an elongated profile and may extend throughout the length of the platform

(251). Further, in an embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the at least one arm (254) may be defined based on requirement. That is, the cross-sectional profile of the at least one arm (254) may be defined such that the at least one arm (254) rides on a portion of the container (300) and snaps/affixes onto the portion of the container (300) for securely lifting the container (300). For example, the at least one arm (254) may be defined with a triangular profile such that one surface of the triangular profile may ride over the portion of the container (300) and another surface may snap fit with the container (300) for securely lifting the container (300). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one arm (254) is defined with the triangular cross- sectional profile, however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the at least one arm

(254) may be defined with any other geometrical cross-sectional profile for engaging and lifting the container (300). In an embodiment, the plurality of arm connectors (254a) and the at least one arm (254) may be connectable to each other by at least one of mechanical fastening and thermal bonding.

Furthermore, as seen in Fig. 7a, the shuttle (250) may include a plunger (255) which may be movably disposed on the bottom surface (252) of the platform (251). The plunger (255) may be adapted to displace the container (300) engaged with the at least one arm (254) into the shelves (351) defined in the storage unit (350). The plunger (255) may be defined with two engaging faces that may be defined opposite to each other. The engaging faces of the plunger

(255) may be adapted to contact and displace the container (300). That is, the plunger (255) may be capable of displacing along the length of the platform (251) to engage and displace the container (300). Further, the plunger (255) may be movably disposed on a central axis or any axis which may be offset to the central axis of the platform (251). In an embodiment, if the plunger (255) may be initially positioned at one end of the platform (251), the plunger (255) may be adapted to engage with the container (300) and may displace the container (300) out of the at least one arm (254) into a shelf (351), opposite to the one end of the platform (251), and vice versa. In an embodiment, the plunger (255) may be defined with any geometrical shape that may aid in engagement with the container (300) and facilitate displacement of the container (300). Upon engagement and displacement of the plunger (255), the container (300) may slide along the length of the at least one arm (254) and may be dispensed into a required shelf (351) of the storage unit (350).

Referring now to Fig. 7b, the shuttle (250) may include a retractor (256) that may be movably disposed on the top surface (253) of the platform (251). The retractor (256) may be adapted to engage with the container (300) stored in the shelves (351) and may retract/displace the container (300) onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251). The retractor (256) may include a body which may be movably disposed on the top surface (253) of the platform (251). In an embodiment, the body may be defined with any geometrical shape based on operational requirements. Further, the retractor (256) may include at least two engaging fingers that may extend on opposite ends of the body and oriented towards the shelves (351) of the storage unit

(350). In an illustrated embodiment, opposite sides of the body may include the at least two engaging fingers, however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the body may include the at least two engaging fingers only on one side [such that during operation, the body may be rotated as per directional requirement]. The at least two engaging fingers may be adapted to engage with the container (300) and displace the container (300) from the shelves

(351) of the storage unit (350) onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251). In an embodiment, tip of the at least two engaging fingers may be defined with an engaging profile, that may be adapted to contact the container (300) and engage with a portion of the container (300). Engagement of the tip of the at least two engaging fingers with the portion of the container (300) leads to interlocking between the retractor (256) and the container (300) for displacing the container (300) from the shelf (351) of the storage unit (350) onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251). In an embodiment, the engaging profile of the tip of the at least two engaging fingers may be defined based on requirement such that the tip engages and interlocks with the portion of the container (300). Further, the retractor (256) may be movably disposed on the central axis or any axis which may be offset to the central axis of the platform (251). In an embodiment, if the retractor (256) may be initially positioned at one end of the platform (251), the retractor (256) may be adapted to engage with the container (300) and may displace opposite to the one end of the platform (251), to slide the container (300) onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251), and vice versa.

Further, as seen in Figs. 7a and 7b, the shuttle (250) may include a drive unit (257) which may be operably fixed to the platform (251). The drive unit (257) may be connectable to the plunger (255) and the retractor (256), and may be adapted to operate the plunger (255) and the retractor

(256) to displace the container (300) relative to the platform (251). In an embodiment, the drive unit (257) may be including but not limited to a belt drive, a chain drive, a gear train and the like which may be capable of displacing the plunger (255) and the retractor (256). The drive unit (257) may be movably disposed on the central axis or any axis which may be offset to the central axis of the platform (251). In an embodiment, the shuttle (250) may include a single drive unit (257) which may extend along the bottom surface (252) and the top surface (253) or the platform (251), such that both the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) may displace upon operation of the drive unit (257). In case the shuttle (250) includes a single drive unit (257), the plunger (255) may be connected to the drive unit (257) at a portion on the bottom surface (252) and the retractor (256) may be connected to the drive unit (257) at a portion on the top surface (253) which may be diagonally opposite to the plunger (255). Such configuration of the drive unit (257) may enable the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) to simultaneously displace in opposite directions to each other upon operation of the drive unit (257). In another embodiment, the shuttle (250) may include separate drive units for each of the plunger (255) and the retractor (256). The separate drive units may facilitate independent displacement of each of the plunger (255) and the retractor (256). Furthermore, the shuttle (250) may include a third actuator (262) which may be operatively coupled to the drive unit (257). The third actuator (262) may be adapted to actuate the drive unit (257) to operate the plunger (255) and the retractor (256). In an embodiment, the third actuator (262) may be including but not limited to a rotary actuator, a linear actuator and any other type of actuator which may be capable of actuating the drive unit (257) such that the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) may be linearly displaced along the length of the platform (251).

In an embodiment, the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) may be made with equal weight. As the drive unit (257) displaces both the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) in opposite directions, the equal weight of the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) mitigates generation of unbalanced forces.

In an embodiment, as seen in Fig. 7b, the shuttle (250) may include a plurality of guides (260) which may be connectable to the top surface (253) of the platform (251). The plurality of guides (260) may be adapted to slidably receive the container (300) upon actuation of the drive unit

(257) and the retractor (256). Further, the plurality of guides (260) may be adapted to support the container (300) over the top surface (253) of the platform (251). The plurality of guides (260) may be defined with a flat profile and may extend along the length of the platform (251). In an embodiment, the plurality of guides (260) may be integrally formed on the top surface (253) of the platform (251) or may be fixed to the top surface (253) through suitable fixing means [for example, through mechanical fastening or thermal bonding or adhesive bonding]. Furthermore, the shuttle (250) may include at least one stopper (261) that may be provisioned at the edges along the sides of the platform (251). The at least one stopper (261) may be adapted to restrict the container (300) from displacing beyond the top surface (253) of the platform (251), thereby ensuring safe accommodation of the container (300) on the top surface (253) of the platform (251). In an embodiment, the at least one stopper (261) may be an elongated structure that may extend the full length of the platform (251) or may be defined with a structure that may extend only a portion of the length of the platform (251).

In an illustrative embodiment, the shuttle (250) is equipped with the at least one arm (254) and the plunger (255) on the bottom surface (252), and is equipped with the retractor (256), the plurality of guides (260) and the at least one stopper (261) on the top surface (253). However, this should not be considered as a limitation as the shuttle (250) may be equipped with the at least one arm (254) and the plunger (255) on the top surface (253), and may be equipped with the retractor (256), the plurality of guides (260) and the at least one stopper (261) on the bottom surface (252), based on requirement. Additionally, the shuttle (250) may also be configured such that each of the plunger (255), the at least one arm (254), the retractor (256), the plurality of guides (260) and the at least one stopper (261) may be interchangeably provided on one or both of the top surface (253) and the bottom surface (252) of the platform (251) based on operational requirement of the shuttle (250).

In an embodiment, the system (100) may include a control unit [not shown in Figs]. The control unit may be communicatively and operatively coupled to each of the at least one winch module, the at least one idler module and the shuttle (250). That is, the control unit may be communicatively coupled to each of the first actuator (151), the second actuator (153), the actuators provisioned in the at least one idler mechanism (200), the drive unit (257), the third actuator (262) and any other components of the system (100) which may be electrically operable. The control unit may be configured to receive operational signals or inputs from an operator/user to operate the system (100) and perform storage and retrieval functions. Furthermore, the control unit may include a memory storage unit which may be configured to store data for operating the system (100) based on specific commands that may be provided by the user/operator. The control unit may also be capable of being configured to automatically perform storage and retrieval operations based on operational requirements. Additionally, the system (100) may include a plurality of sensors [not shown in Figs] disposed at various locations on the system (100) based on requirement. The plurality of sensors may be capable of detecting operational conditions and parameters of the system (100) as well as the surroundings. Further, the plurality of sensors may be communicatively coupled to the control unit such that the control unit based on signals received from the plurality of sensor may be configured to automatically operate the system (100).

In an embodiment, the shuttle (250) may be a modular device which may be adapted to be equipped in the system (100) or may also be utilized with other systems, mechanisms and assemblies for storing, dispensing and retrieving loads/containers. Further, the shuttle (250) may include additional features which may enable the platform (251) to be retrofitted with other systems, mechanisms and assemblies based on requirement. Furthermore, the shuttle (250) may be equipped with displacement mechanisms which may facilitate the shuttle (250) to perform storing, dispensing and retrieving operations independently without the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200).

Fig. Ila, illustrates the container (300) for storing goods. The container (300) may be adapted to be received by the system (100) and may be structured to be stored in the shelves (351) defined in the storage unit (350) [as seen in Fig. 12]. The container (300) may be capable of being received into the storage unit (350) through conveyers [not seen in Figs]. The container (300) may include a body (301). The body (301) may be defined with a first set of walls (301a) which may be positioned opposite to each other and a second set of walls (301b) that may extend between the first set of walls (301a). In an embodiment, the body (301) having the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b) may be defined with any geometrical shape which may be capable of being accommodated within shelves (351) of the storage unit (350). The body (301) may be adapted to engage with a portion of the shuttle (250) to displace into the shelf (351) of the storage unit (350) from the shuttle (250). That is, the body (301) of the container (300) may be adapted to engage with the plunger (255) such that upon engagement, the container (300) may be displaced into the shelf (351) of the storage unit. Further, the container (300) may include a base (302) that may extend between ends of each of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b). The base (302) may be adapted to support goods to be stored in the container (300). Furthermore, the container (300) may include a flange (303). The flange (303) may extend along a periphery of the body (301) which may be opposite to the base (302). The flange (303) may be adapted to receive a portion of the shuttle (250) to vertically transport the container (300). In an embodiment, the flange (303) may be adapted to engage with the at least one arm (254) of the shuttle (250), such that the at least one arm (254) may be capable of lifting the container (300) for traversing the container

(300) vertically. In an illustrative embodiment, the flange (303) extends at the end of the body

(301) opposite to the base (302), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the flange (303) may also be defined along a periphery of the body (301) which may be proximal to the base (302). In an embodiment, the container (300) may include multiple flanges (303) for engaging with the portion of the shuttle (250). The multiple flanges (303) may be defined at the ends of the body (301) and also at any portion on the body (301) between the opposite ends. The flange (303) also enables disengagement between the shuttle (250) and the container (300) by facilitating sliding of the container (300) on the portion of the shuttle (250), such that the container (300) slides into the shelf (351) of the storage unit (350). In an embodiment, the flange (303) may be integrally formed with the body (301) or may be fixed to the body (301) through suitable means, such as but not limited to mechanical fastening, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding and the like.

In an embodiment, the flange (303) may be defined on the body (301) such that the ends of the flange (303) remain within the confines of the containers (300) base (302) perimeter/footprint to improve area utilisation when the containers (300) may be arranged in a linear sequence placed side by side in the shelf (351). In an embodiment, the flange (303) may be defined with a triangular profile such that the at least one arm (254) of the shuttle (250) may ride on the triangular profile and interlock with the flange (303).

Additionally, the container (300) may be defined with at least one groove (305). The at least one groove (305) may be defined at any location on the body (301) of the container (300). Further, the at least one groove (305) may be defined along the length of each of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b). The at least one groove (305) may be structured to engage with the portion of the shuttle (250) such that the container (300) may be securely lifted by the shuttle (250) and displaced vertically. In an embodiment, the flange (303) may be formed by defining the at least one groove (305) on the body (301) of the container (300). Furthermore, the container (300) may include a provision (304). The provision (304) may be defined in at least one of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b). The provision (304) may be adapted to engage with the shuttle (250) of the system (100) to horizontally displace the container (300). In an embodiment, the provision (304) may be formed by defining a slot (306) in the at least one of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b). The slot (306) may be defined with a predetermined geometric profile and may extend from a bottom edge of the at least one of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b). In an illustrative embodiment, the provision (304) is defined with a square slot (306), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the slot (306) may be defined with any other geometrical profile such as but not limited to rectangle, triangle and the like. Further, the slot (306) may be defined with a gripping profile at the periphery of the slot (306) [thus, the provision (304)]. The gripping profile may facilitate interlocking of the portion of the shuttle (250) with the container (300). That is, the at least two engaging fingers of the retractor (256) may engage and interlock with the gripping profile of the slot (306) for horizontally displacing the container (300) onto the top surface (253) of the shuttle (250). The design of the slot (306) extending from the edge of the at least one of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b) create an opening (307) in the provision (304). The opening (307) defined in the provision (304) enables the portion of the shuttle (250) engaged with the provision (304) of the container (300) to be disengaged by sliding out of the slot (306) through the opening (307). That is, the at least two engaging fingers of the retractor (256) engaged within the provision (304) may slide out of the provision (304), when the container (300) may be vertically lifted.

Referring now to Fig. 11b, the container (300) may include a locking mechanism [not shown in Figs]. The locking mechanism may include at least one latch which may be provisioned at predefined locations of the body (301) of the container (300). The at least one latch may be adapted to engage with a portion of the shelf (351) of the storage unit (350) to lock the container (300) within the shelf (351). The locking of the container (350) within the shelf (351) enables safe transportation of the container (300) if the storage unit (350) is a portable storage unit which may be moved from one location to another. Further, the locking mechanism ensures that the container (300) is fixed within the shelf (351) and does not displace even upon vibrations and movement exerted to the container (300) by the shelf (351) or the storage unit (350). Furthermore, the container (300) may include a release mechanism [not shown in Figs] which may be adapted to operate the at least one latch to unlock the container (300) from the shelf (351). The release mechanism aids in effectively unlocking the container (300) which is to be retrieved from the storage unit (350) onto the system (100). In an embodiment the release mechanism may include a release button (308) which may be movably positioned in the provision of the container (300). The release button (308) may be operatively coupled to the at least one latch through suitable connecting means. In an embodiment, the suitable connecting means may be including but not limited to links, cables, wires and the like. The release button (308) upon being actuated may operate the at least one latch to unlock the container (300). In an embodiment, the release button (308) and the release mechanism may be spring loaded which upon actuation to unlock the container (300) may release the at least one latch and upon de-actuation may be adapted to bias the release mechanism to an initial condition so that the at least one latch may be operated back to the original state.

In an operational embodiment, the container (300) upon being dispensed into the shelf, may automatically, latch into the shelf and get locked into the shelf. Further, in order to retrieve the container (300) from the shelf, the retractor (256) may engage the container (300) at the provision (304). The engagement of the retractor (256) with the provision (204) may engage the release button (308), thereby unlocking the container (300) in the shelf (351). In an embodiment, the at least two fingers or the body of the retractor (256) may engage with the release button (308) to unlock the container (300) in the shelf (351).

In an embodiment, the container (300) may also include a cover member [not shown in Figs] which may be connectable to the body (301) opposite to the base (302). The cover member may be adapted to cover the goods or contents stored within the container (300). Further, in an embodiment, the container (300) may be made of including but not limited to a metal, a metal alloy, a non-metal, polymers and the like, which may provide sufficient structural strength for storing and transportation needs.

Fig. 12, illustrates the storage unit (350). The storage unit (350) may include a plurality of shelves (351) which may be stacked on top of each other. Further, the storage unit (350) may include an aisle conveyor system adjacent to the plurality of shelves (351). The aisle conveyor system may be provisioned at the top portion and the bottom portion of the storage unit (350) such that the container (300) may be received and dispensed through the conveyers.

In an operational embodiment, upon the container (300) being conveyed through the conveyer into the storage unit (350) [considering the container (300) being conveyed through the conveyer proximal to the bottom portion of the storage unit (350)], the system (100) may be displaced by operating the first driving member (156). The first driving members (156) displaces the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200) may be displaced due to the operation of the actuator connected to the second driving members (204). Both the first driving members (156) and the second driving members (204) are synchronously operated to displace the system (100) so as to mitigate misalignments. Additionally, both the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200) may displace synchronously due to the connection between the two. Upon reaching the position of the container (300) on the conveyer, the shuttle (250) may be operated. Referring now to Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c, the shuttle (250) may be operated by initially actuating the first winch (152) and the second winch (154). Upon actuation, the at least one cable (102) may linearly displace such that the shuttle (250) traverses vertically downward towards the container (300) [as seen in Fig. 8a]. Upon reaching the container (300), the at least one arm (254) may come in contact with the flange (303) of the container (300). In an embodiment, the profile of the flange (303) and the profile of the at least one arm (254) may be defined corresponding to each other such that, upon contact, the at least one arm (254) may ride over the flange (303) [as seen in Fig. 8b]. Upon further downward displacement of the shuttle (250), the at least one arm (254) may completely ride over the flange (303) of the container (300) and may get positioned below the flange (303) thereby interlocking the at least one arm (254) with the flange (303) [as seen in Fig. 8c]. In an embodiment, the at least one arm (254) may be accommodated within the at least one groove (305) defined in the container (300). Upon interlocking the at least one arm (254) with the flange (303) of the container (300), the shuttle (250) may be traversed vertically upward to lift the container (300). The shuttle (250) may be traversed such that the container (300) may be horizontally aligned with a shelf (351) into which the container (300) is to be stored. In an embodiment, along with vertical displacement, the system (100) may displace along the length of the storage unit (350) such that the container (300) may be horizontally aligned with a shelf (351) into which the container (300) is to be stored.

Further, referring now to Figs. 9a and 9b, upon aligning the container (300) with the shelf (351) into which the container (300) is to be stored [as seen in Fig. 9a], the drive unit (257) of the shuttle (250) may be operated. Upon operation of the drive unit (257), the plunger (255) may engage with the body (301) of the container (300) and may displace the container (300) into the required shelf (351) of the storage unit (350) [as seen in Fig. 9b].

In another operational embodiment, upon the container (300) being required to be delivered to the conveyer for dispensing out of the storage unit (350) [considering the container (300) being required to be delivered to the conveyer proximal to the top portion of the storage unit (350)], the system (100) may be displaced by operating the first driving member (156). The first driving member (156) displaces the at least one winch mechanism (150) and thereby the at least one idler mechanism (200) may be displaced due to connection between the two. Upon reaching the position of the container (300) to be retrieved out of the shelf (351), the shuttle (250) may be operated. Referring now to Figs. 10a and 10b, the shuttle (250) may be operated by initially actuating the first winch (152) and the second winch (154). Upon actuation, the at least one cable (102) may linearly displace such that the shuttle (250) traverses vertically downward or upwards to be positioned in line with the shelf (351) in which the required container (300) is stored. Upon reaching the required shelf (351), the drive unit (257) of the shuttle (250) may be operated. The drive unit (257) displaces the retractor (256) towards the shelf (351) such that the at least two engaging fingers of the retractor (256) engages with the provision (304) of the container (300). The at least two engaging fingers upon engaging with the provision (304) of the container (300) may interlock with the gripping profile of the slot (306) [as seen in Fig. 10a]. Upon interlocking the at least two engaging fingers of the retractor (256) with the container (300), the drive unit (257) may be operated in an opposite direction, such that the retractor (256) displaces the container (300) out of the shelf (351) and onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251) [as seen in Fig. 10b]. After the container (300) being supported on the shuttle (250), the shuttle (250) may be vertically displaced in the upward direction by actuating the at least one winch mechanism (150). The upward displacement of the shuttle (250) may be carried out till the container (300) may reach the conveyor. Upon reaching the conveyor, the container (300) may be picked by the conveyor. Such picking of the conveyor traverses the container (300) vertically above the shuttle (250). Such vertical displacement of the container (300) away from the retractor (256) facilitates the at least two engaging fingers of the retractor (256) to slide out of the provision (304) of the container (300) through the opening (307), thereby delivering the container (300) from the shelf (351) to the conveyor.

In an embodiment, the system (100) provides an automated storage and retrieval solution without requiring manual labour and conventional cranes. Additionally, the system (100) enables a load or the container (300) that is retrieved from the shelf (351) of the storage unit (350) to be directly transferred to a conveyor positioned on the aisle top and based on requirement the aisle floor as well. The system (100) is compact and light-weight. Furthermore, the system (100) is independent of input-output points as the system (100) is capable of displacing along the length of the storage unit (350) and also the shuttle (250) is capable of traversing along the height of the storage unit (350). Furthermore, the system (100) allows for efficient use of space and facilitates, thereby enabling smooth flow of goods and increasing through put. In an embodiment, multiple systems (100) can be deployed along the length of the storage units (350), thereby increasing operational efficiency. In an embodiment, the system (100) due to the constructional and operational configuration facilitates faster engagement time for single order picking in comparison to conventional cranes.

In an embodiment, the system (100) is simple in construction and easy to manufacture. Due to the simple construction and less number components of the system, costs involved in manufacturing, operating and maintaining the system is less. Further, the system (100) facilitates modularity and can be easily assembled or disassembled based on requirement. Furthermore, the system (100) is retrofittable to existing storage units (350). Additionally, may be employed as a permanent or a portable option for carrying out storage, retrieval and inventory management operations.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system (100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Referral Numerals

Claims

We claim:

1. A storage and retrieval system (100), comprising: at least one winch mechanism (150) movably disposed proximal to a top portion of a storage unit (350), the at least one winch mechanism (150) is adapted to receive and operate at least one cable (102); at least one idler mechanism (200) positioned opposite to the at least one winch mechanism (150), proximal to a bottom portion of the storage unit (350), the at least one idler mechanism (200) is adapted to receive the at least one cable (102) from the at least one winch mechanism (150); and a shuttle (250) supported on the at least one cable (102), adapted to traverse between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200), the shuttle (250) adapted to dispense and retrieve a container (300) into and out of shelves (351) defined in the storage unit (350), the shuttle (250) comprising: a platform (251) connected to a portion of the at least one cable (102), the platform (251) defined with a bottom surface (252) and a top surface (253); at least one arm (254) extending from the bottom surface (252) of the platform (251) and adapted to engage with the container (300) for transport the container (300) between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200); a plunger (255) movably disposed on the bottom surface (252) of the platform (251), the plunger (255) is adapted to displace the container (300) engaged with the at least one arm (254) into the shelves (351) defined in the storage unit (350); a retractor (256) movably disposed on the top surface (253) of the platform (251), the retractor (256) is adapted to engage with the container (300) stored in the shelves (351) and displace the container (300) onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251); and a drive unit (257) operably fixed to the platform (251), the drive unit (257) is connectable to the plunger (255) and the retractor (256), and adapted to operate the plunger (255) and the retractor (256) to displace the container (300) relative to the platform (251).

2. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a frame (101) extending between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200), wherein the frame (101) is defined with a first end connectable to the at least one winch mechanism (150) and a second end connectable to the at least one idler mechanism (200).

3. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one winch mechanism (150) comprises: a chassis (160) connectable to the top portion of the storage unit (350), the chassis (160) is defined with a primary end (160a) and a secondary end (160b); a first actuator (151) fixed to the primary end (160a) of the chassis (160); a first winch (152) rotatably disposed on the chassis (160) and operatively coupled to the first actuator (151), wherein the first winch (152) is adapted to receive and displace the at least one cable (102); a second actuator (153) fixed to the secondary end (160b) of the chassis (160); and a second winch (154) rotatably disposed on the chassis (160) and operatively coupled to the second actuator (153), wherein the second winch (154) is adapted to receive and displace the at least one cable (102); wherein the first actuator (151) and the second actuator (153) are adapted to operate the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) to traverse the shuttle (250) between the at least one winch mechanism (150) and the at least one idler mechanism (200).

4. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one idler mechanism (200) comprises: a support beam (201); a first drum (202) rotatably connected to the support beam (201) in line with the first winch (152), the first drum (202) is adapted to receive the at least one cable (102) extending from the first winch (152) and rotate corresponding to operation of the first winch (152) to displace the at least one cable (102); and a second drum (203) rotatably connected to the support beam (201) in line with the second winch (154), the second drum (203) is adapted to receive the at least one cable (102) extending from the second winch (154) and rotate corresponding to operation of the second winch (154) to displace the at least one cable (102).

5. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shuttle (250) includes a plurality of guide members extending from the platform (251), the plurality of guide members are adapted to engage the frame (101) and ride on the frame (101) corresponding to traversal of the platform (251) between the first end and the second end of the frame (101).

6. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shuttle (250) includes a third actuator (262) operatively coupled to the drive unit (257), the third actuator (262) is adapted to actuate the drive unit (257) to operate the plunger (255) and the retractor (256).

7. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shuttle (250) includes at least one protrusion (258) extending from sides of the platform (251), the at least one protrusion (258) on each side of the platform (251) is rigidly connected to the at least one cable (102) extending from the first winch (152) and the second winch (154) to traverse the platform (251) corresponding to displacement of the at least one cable (102).

8. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plurality of first driving members (156) connected to the chassis (160) of the at least one winch mechanism (150), the plurality of first driving members (156) are adapted to displace the at least one winch mechanism (150) relative to the storage unit (350).

9. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plurality of second driving members (204) connected to the support beam (201) of the at least one idler mechanism (200), the plurality of second driving members (204) are adapted to displace the at least one idler mechanism (200) relative to the storage unit (350).

10. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger (255) is defined with two engaging faces defined opposite to each other and adapted to contact and displace the container (300).

11. The storage and retrieval system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retractor (256) comprises: a body; and at least two engaging fingers extending on opposite ends of the body, the at least two engaging fingers are adapted to engage with the container (300) and displace the container (300) from the shelves (351) of the storage unit (350) onto the top surface (253) of the platform (251).

12. A container (300) for a storage and retrieval system (100), the container (300) comprising: a body (301) defined with a first set of walls (301a) positioned opposite to each other and a second set of walls (301b) extending between the first set of walls (301a); a base (302) extending between ends of each of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b), the base (302) adapted to support goods to be stored in the container (300); a flange (303) extending along a periphery of the body (301) opposite to the base (302), the flange (303) is adapted to receive a portion of a shuttle (250) of the storage and retrieval system (100) to vertically transport the container (300); and a provision (304) defined in at least one of the first set of walls (301a) and the second set of walls (301b), the provision (304) is adapted to engage with the shuttle (250) of the storage and retrieval system (100) to horizontally displace the container (300).