The shuttle rack system is one of the high-density storage systems. Powered by independently charged shuttle carts, it utilizes radio-frequency remote control to carry palletized goods and operate along tracks. For goods located deep within the rack, the shuttle cart moves underneath the pallet, lifting it from the track, and transports it to the front exit of the rack, where a forklift can retrieve or store the palletized goods. Forklifts can also move the shuttle carts between different rack tracks. Typically, one forklift can manage all the shuttle carts, although this depends on factors such as aisle length, number of aisles, and rack height. The shuttle rack system is ideal for storing large quantities of a few product types over a long period, with an average utilization rate of around 90%.
The shuttle rack system consists of several components:
Shuttle Cart System:
The shuttle cart consists of the chassis, drive mechanism, and outer cover. The chassis, welded from steel, supports the other components. The drive mechanism includes a motor, drive wheel, and transmission shaft.
Conveying System:
This is the material handling section of the shuttle cart, mounted on the chassis with a steel structure.
Positioning System: This system provides the positioning signals for the shuttle carts entering and exiting the warehouse. It uses laser-based positioning technology.
Rail System:
The rail system, consisting of rails and stop devices, serves as the foundation and guide for the shuttle carts.
Electrical System:
The electrical system is made up of PLCs, variable frequency drives, photoelectric switches, encoders, barcode readers, and other components.
Remote Control and Reception System:
A single remote control system uses digital frequency modulation to manage multiple shuttle carts through digital pulse encoding, with reception and control systems working in tandem.
The shuttle rack system holds vast potential for future development. While it is currently a semi-automated system consisting of shuttle carts, racks, and operators, it is expected to evolve into a fully automated system linked to management systems. This future system will allow for real-time warehouse operations based entirely on system controls.
Applications of Shuttle Rack Systems:
High-Volume, Low-Variety Storage:
Ideal for industries like food and beverage, chemicals, tobacco, etc., where there are large quantities of a single product.
Cold Storage Operations:
Reduces time spent in low-temperature environments, improving work efficiency and safety.
Batch Management:
Suitable for warehouses requiring strict FIFO (first-in, first-out) inventory control.
Maximizing Storage Capacity:
Ideal for warehouses with limited space, aiming to make the most of available storage.
The shuttle rack system offers significant advantages in warehouse space utilization, material retrieval efficiency, and rack investment costs. When selecting a rack system, companies should consider factors such as the characteristics of stored goods and logistics requirements to determine the best storage solution.
Nanjing Huade Warehousing has extensive experience in managing industrial space applications and small-scale storage solutions. They address the space, cost, and efficiency challenges across various industries. Huade’s products include automated vertical warehouses, shuttle rack systems, high-density storage racks, automated logistics equipment, and warehouse racks, with clients spanning over several dozen countries. Huade has successfully provided shelving solutions across industries such as automotive, electronics, military, logistics, agriculture, food and pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Post time: Feb-19-2025