3D Unloading Shelf Layout for Direct Container Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unloading systems fail to efficiently unload goods into predetermined containers on shelves, leading to suboptimal space utilization and increased damage due to impact forces during unloading.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional unloading system utilizing self-navigation carts, a parcel identification device, positioning device, conveying device, and unloading device, which allows precise unloading into containers on movable shelves, reducing impact forces and improving space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If goods are unloaded at a predetermined outlet and then packaged at the same outlet, then the unloading process is simple, but space utilization is suboptimal and requires multiple handling steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading process simplicityVSAvoidspace utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces movable shelves that can be transported to packaging places, adding a spatial dimension to the unloading system. Instead of fixed outlets, goods are unloaded into containers on shelves that move to where packaging occurs, transforming the static unloading architecture into a dynamic multi-dimensional system that improves space utilization without complicating the unloading process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If shelves are transported to packaging places, then all goods can be conveniently transported, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods transportation convenienceVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable shelves serve multiple functions: they act as storage containers during unloading, serve as transport carriers to packaging locations, and function as temporary holding stations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems (unloading station, transport mechanism, packaging station) into a single versatile platform, improving operational convenience without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shelves are designed to be self-propelled or automatically transported to packaging places, reducing the need for additional manual handling or complex external transport mechanisms. The system serves itself by having the storage containers automatically move to where they are needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If goods are unloaded directly into containers on movable shelves, then space utilization improves, but impact forces during unloading may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization efficiencyVSAvoidimpact force on goods
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates cushioning mechanisms in the containers and during the unloading process to mitigate impact forces before goods make contact. By preparing cushioning elements in advance and positioning them correctly, the system can directly unload into movable containers while protecting goods from damage, reconciling the benefits of direct unloading with the need for impact protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4219344B1Three-dimensional unloading system capable of unloading goods into container and control method of three-dimensional unloading system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ZHEJIANG LIBIAO ROBOT CO LTD
  • EP4219344B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4219344B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4219344B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention provides a three-dimensional unloading system capable of unloading goods into a container and a control method of the three-dimensional unloading system. The system comprises: sorting platforms; self-navigation carts; parcel identification devices; and positioning devices. The system further comprises more than one shelf consisting of a plurality of containers capable of storing goods, the shelf mounted close to an unloading outlet; a conveying device, on which a conveying frame is fixed; an unloading device, fixed on the conveying frame, the unloading device being capable of moving to the unloading outlet under the driving of the conveying device to receive the goods unloaded from the self-navigation cart, then moving to close to a predetermined container, and unloading the goods therein; and a server connected to a controller of the self-navigation cart, to the parcel identification device, and to the controllers of the conveying device and unloading device.