Modular storage system having segments that couple to one another to define closed loop tracks that move inventory

US10287097B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Dinesh Mahadevan · Lynnwood, US
• Martin Peter Aalund · Seattle, US
• Jon Stuart Battles · North Bend, US
• Jon David DeFant · Seattle, US
• Benjamin Douglas Garcia · Seattle, US
• Vahideh Kamranzadeh · Seattle, US
• George T. Davies · Brigham City, US
• Steven Eric Nuetzman · Syracuse, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 21, 2017
• Grant date: May 14, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G1/0485
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In one embodiment, an inventory storage system has a vertical stack of storage modules that extend from a first stack end to a second stack end, and are stacked on top of one another. Each storage module defines a path that forms a loop in a vertical plane, and each storage module has a plurality of inventory carriers that translate around the loop. The vertical stack has a first end section that extends from the first stack end towards the second stack end, and that includes a first end of each loop of the stack. The vertical stack also has a second end section that extends from the second stack end towards the first stack end, and that includes a second end of each loop of the stack. The sections can be transported separately by a truck or container and then coupled together at the destination.