3D Object Shifting and Routing for Automated Transit Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated and semi-automated systems for handling objects in logistics networks face inefficiencies in organizing, routing, and tracking objects, limiting capacity and precision without significant resources.
Innovation Solution
An object-shifting system comprising object-detection components for identifying and locating objects in 3D space, adaptable object-engaging components for handling various shapes and sizes, and a shifting mechanism for moving object-support structures, directed by computing devices to efficiently transfer and route objects based on designated destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated object handling systems are implemented, then productivity and precision of object handling improve, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: object-detection components (cameras, sensors) for identification, object-engaging components (grippers, clamps) for manipulation, and shifting mechanisms (conveyors, robots) for transport. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high automation capability while managing complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If object-detection components are added to locate and identify objects, then measurement precision and routing accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object-detection components serve multiple functions: they detect object presence, determine object location coordinates, identify object characteristics, and provide data for routing decisions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without adding separate specialized devices for each function, thereby managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptable object-engaging components are used to handle various shapes and sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object-engaging components are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing them to adapt their shape, size, and positioning based on the detected object characteristics. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle diverse objects (different shapes, sizes, weights) using a unified engaging mechanism, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Productivity
If shifting mechanisms are implemented to move object-support structures, then productivity and routing efficiency improve, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shifting mechanisms operate using periodic motion patterns, where object-support structures are moved in discrete steps or intervals rather than continuous motion. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous movement, while still achieving high productivity through rapid cyclic transfer operations between locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for directing the shifting of objects (106), the method comprising: directing a shifting mechanism (58) to move a first object-support structure (62) of a plurality of object-support structures to a first location in a space, the first location being located in a three-dimensional space in which an object-shifting apparatus (80) operates; receiving, from the object- shifting apparatus (80), identifying data associated with an object positioned on the first object-support structure, determining a designated destination of the object based at least in part on the identifying data; directing the shifting mechanism (58) to move a second object-support structure (62) of the plurality of object-support structures (62) to a second location in the space based on the second object-support structure (62) being associated with the designated destination of the object, the second location being located in the three-dimensional space in which the object-shifting apparatus (80) operates; and directing the object-shifting apparatus (80) to transfer the object from the first object-support structure (62) to the second object-support structure (62).