Automated Article Picking Device with Multi-Axis Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for selecting and packing articles, such as greeting cards, are resource intensive and prone to errors, requiring significant space for storage and presentation, and involve inefficient processes like traversing warehouses to identify and collect desired items.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an article picking device coupled to a multi-axis movement mechanism and a high-density storage system, which uses sensors and gripping mechanisms to efficiently locate and retrieve articles from a compact storage system, reducing the need for extensive space and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional warehouse traversal methods are used to select and pack articles, then human resources can be utilized, but the process becomes resource intensive and error prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical traversal and selection processes with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors and control mechanisms. The robotic device autonomously navigates the storage facility, identifies articles using sensors, and performs selection and packing operations, thereby eliminating human resource intensity and reducing errors associated with manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device is designed to perform self-navigation and self-selection operations autonomously. The system independently processes storage location identification, article detection, and selection without requiring human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the article selection and packing process.
2Area of stationary object
If articles are stored in conventional warehouse locations, then storage capacity is maintained, but significant space is required for storage and presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-level storage system that transitions from conventional two-dimensional warehouse flooring to three-dimensional vertical storage structures. Articles are stored on elevated platforms and shelves, allowing the robotic device to access them through vertical movement, thereby dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system employs nested or stacked configurations where multiple storage levels are arranged vertically within a compact footprint. The robotic device can access articles at different vertical levels, effectively nesting storage capacity within a reduced space envelope.
3Productivity
If manual traversal through warehouse is used to identify desired articles, then simple equipment is required, but the process is time consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual search and physical traversal with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors (such as cameras, LIDAR, or other detection devices) that can rapidly identify and locate desired articles. The robotic device moves systematically through storage locations, dramatically increasing selection speed and reducing the time and resources required compared to manual processes.
4Reliability
If articles are moved and combined into containers manually, then simple packing processes are used, but error prone operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual article combination and packing operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors and control algorithms to accurately identify, select, and place articles into containers. The robotic device follows programmed instructions with high precision, eliminating human error while maintaining operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selecting and packing articles are disclosed. The systems can include an article picking device coupled to a multi-axis movement mechanism and a high-density storage system for holding a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge can house a plurality of articles.