System and Method for Maneuvering a Mobile Drive Unit

Abstract

A mobile drive unit is provided for transporting an inventory holder. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with the inventory holder, move the inventory holder in a first translational direction, and while docked with the inventory holder, selectively rotate the inventory holder while continuing to move in the first translational direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to mobile drive units, and more specifically to a system and method for maneuvering a mobile drive unit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Modern inventory systems, such as those in mail-order warehouses, supply chain distribution centers, airport luggage systems, and custom-order manufacturing facilities, face significant challenges in responding to requests for inventory items. As inventory systems grow, the challenges of simultaneously completing a large number of packing, storing, and other inventory-related tasks becomes non-trivial. In inventory systems tasked with responding to large numbers of diverse inventory requests, inefficient utilization of system resources, including space, equipment, and manpower, can result in lower throughput, unacceptably long response times, an ever-increasing backlog of unfinished tasks, and, in general, poor system performance. Additionally, expanding or reducing the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to solve problems associated with inventory storage by providing a mobile inventory system with one or more mobile drive units capable of selectively rotating inventory holders while moving them between locations within a physical space. This allows for efficient use of space and flexibility in path planning. By rotating inventory holders while moving, changes in translational movements can be achieved with reduced space requirements and the mobile drive unit can present the selected face of the inventory holder at an inventory station, facilitating the ability of the inventory station to receive inventory items from the inventory holder. This also reduces the need for mobile drive units to stop and undock from inventory holders while in transit. Path planning activities can be simplified and greater operational efficiencies achieved.

Problems solved by technology

Modern inventory systems, such as those in mail-order warehouses, supply chain distribution centers, airport luggage systems, and custom-order manufacturing facilities, face significant challenges in responding to requests for inventory items.

In inventory systems tasked with responding to large numbers of diverse inventory requests, inefficient utilization of system resources, including space, equipment, and manpower, can result in lower throughput, unacceptably long response times, an ever-increasing backlog of unfinished tasks, and, in general, poor system performance.

Additionally, expanding or reducing the size or capabilities of many inventory systems requires significant changes to existing infrastructure and equipment.

As a result, the cost of incremental changes to capacity or functionality may be prohibitively expensive limiting the ability of the system to accommodate fluctuations in system throughput.

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