SSI Schaefer launches Flexi shuttle storage system

Flexi is a scalable single-level shuttle designed for use in highly dynamic automated miniload systems with dynamically adaptable storage location sizes to store a wide variety of transport units of up to 50kg.

The SSI Flexi Shuttle is an innovative solution for space optimised storage of cartons, trays, and cubic and conical bins. The modular concept, which combines shuttles, lifts, and a racking system, allows tailored and highly flexible system concepts with excellent use of space and high levels of technical performance.

Thanks to the universal load handling device with adjustable width, the Flexi Shuttle can adapt to single-, double-, and multiple-deep storage of a broad spectrum of loading units and dimensions, even in deep-freeze conditions.

Range

The SSI Schaefer family of shuttle systems (starting with the highest level of scale and performance) features: Schaefer Lift & Run (SLR) - a multi-level shuttle system for pallets; Schaefer Tray System (STS) - a multi-level shuttle system for pallet layers; Navette - a multi-level shuttle system for small load carriers; SSI Flexi Shuttle - a flexible single-level shuttle system for small load carriers; and Cuby - a highly standardised single-level shuttle system for small load carriers.

Rack concept

The rack concept has dynamically adjustable storage location sizes. Omitting permanently allocated x-storage positions, the rack concept facilitates space-optimised shelf occupancy with maximum storage density. This can even be achieved with a high diversity of loading units and a broad spectrum of transport dimensions.

3D-Matrix

Considerable increases in performance can be achieved in conjunction with the patented 3D-Matrix Solution.

This tackles a problem in conventional storage systems, which are limited by the restricted number of lifts. This results in bottlenecks during storage and retrieval. As a consequence, the number of transfer spaces is restricted and the processes can only be decoupled along the horizontal and vertical axes to a limited extent.

However, increasing performance through the use of shuttles in the aisles creates major bottlenecks on the conveyor loops in the pre-zone. Sequencing is only possible through the use of additional and subsequently installed sequencing systems.

In response, SSI Schaefer developed the 3D-MATRIX Solution, which provides highly dynamic system solutions for storing and picking individual articles, cartons, layered trays and pallets.

The matrix consists of three key system components: Shuttle vehicles, lifts and conveying systems. The shuttle vehicles work on the x-axis in the depth of the storage channels. Lift systems provide vertical transport on the y-axis. The conveyor systems handle the horizontal transport on the z-axis and supply the goods directly to the connected picking or dispatch work stations. All movements which the transport devices carry out within the storage facility are consistently separated on the x, y and z-axes. This enables them all to be carried out in parallel.

The storage cube is treated as an open system from every side. This creates independent processes while simultaneously preventing bottlenecks. It enables access to all articles in the storage system and also directly supplies all connected goods-to-person work stations with the desired items.