ANALYSIS OF ROLLING RESISTANCE PARAMETERS IN GRAVITY FLOW RACKS FOR HEAVY-DUTY APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Flow racks represent a dynamic storage system that utilizes gravitational force to enable controlled movement of unit loads along specially designed, inclined roller lane. Efficient operation of these systems requires a detailed analysis of the resistances encountered during the movement of unit loads. Therefore, the rolling resistance plays a crucial role in determining the speed and stability of the unit loads. This paper investigates the most influential parameters contributing to the total rolling resistance in gravity flow racks. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of the mass of unit loads, characteristics of rollers, the angle of the inclined roller lane, as well as the condition of the contact surfaces between the rollers and unit loads. The aim of this research is to identify and quantify the impact of relevant parameters in the context of design optimization and system efficiency improvement. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the tribological behavior of gravity flow racks and support improvements in system design, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing downtime and enhancing throughput in modern storage environments.