Article Order Processing with Dynamic Single or Total Picking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated warehouse systems face inefficiencies in article processing due to the limitations of either single or total picking methods, as they do not effectively leverage the characteristics of both methods to optimize workload and efficiency based on the specific demands of article orders.

Innovation Solution

An article order processing system that selects between single and total picking methods for each order based on the characteristics of the orders, prioritizes processing, and coordinates with various article processing devices to optimize the workflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single picking method is used for all article orders, then the system can handle various types of articles, but the processing efficiency is reduced when handling large volumes of similar articles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle various types of articlesVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between single picking method and total picking method based on the characteristics of each article order. The picking method selection unit changes the picking approach in real-time according to order requirements, article types, and warehouse state, rather than using a fixed method for all orders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the picking method parameter (single picking vs. total picking) based on order characteristics such as article type, quantity, and destination. This parameter change allows the system to optimize processing efficiency for different scenarios while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a total picking method is used for all article orders, then the processing efficiency is improved for similar articles, but the system becomes less flexible in handling diverse article types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility in handling diverse article types
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the picking method based on the specific characteristics of each article order. When orders contain similar articles suitable for total picking, the system switches to total picking method to improve efficiency. When orders require handling of diverse article types, it switches to single picking method to maintain flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The picking method selection unit changes the picking parameter (single vs. total picking) according to order characteristics including article type diversity, quantity, and destination requirements, allowing the system to optimize for efficiency when appropriate while maintaining adaptability for diverse scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated picking methods are implemented, then the workload is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the picking process into distinct phases: single picking phase and total picking phase. This segmentation allows the use of different picking methods for different phases based on order characteristics, reducing the need for a single complex automated system while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The picking method selection unit acts as an intermediary that determines which picking method to use based on order characteristics and warehouse state. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by providing a decision-making layer that coordinates between different picking methods rather than requiring a single complex automated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4610196A1Article order processing method, article order processing program, article order processing system, article sorting system, and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4610196A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4610196A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4610196A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide an article order processing method to improve efficiency of article processing by selecting different picking methods. An article order processing method according to an embodiment includes: acquiring an article order designating one or more articles; selecting a picking method for each article order from a plurality of different picking methods based on a plurality of the article orders acquired; and outputting a predetermined article order to an article processing device configured to implement a picking method selected for the predetermined article order.