Article-Storage Simulation Optimizing Fragile Item Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article-storage simulation systems are not suitable for scenarios where heavy and fragile items are mixed, as they prioritize high packing ratios over minimizing influence on cargo, which is not efficient in distribution centers and similar environments.
Innovation Solution
An article-storage simulation device that acquires article and container sizes, determines the number of containers needed, and simulates storage by placing articles while considering destructiveness, fragility, and shape to optimize storage ratios and reduce article damage, by adding containers when necessary and strategically placing fragile items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If articles are packed to maximize storage ratio, then container space utilization is improved, but fragile articles may be damaged due to excessive compression or improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating treatment for different article types within the same container. Fragile articles are placed in specific locations (e.g., bottom layer, cushioned positions) while heavy articles are positioned to provide support. The simulation determines specific placement positions based on article attributes, creating localized quality differences that protect fragile items while maximizing overall storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by simulating and determining the optimal storage plan before actual cargo loading. The simulation unit calculates the best arrangement of articles considering their weights, fragility, and dimensions in advance, creating a predetermined loading sequence and position plan that prevents damage while maximizing storage ratio during the actual loading operation.
2Device complexity
If a single storage container is used, then device complexity is reduced, but storage capacity is insufficient for all articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of storage containers flexible rather than fixed. The simulation dynamically determines the optimal number of containers needed based on the total volume and characteristics of articles to be stored. The system can adjust between using one container or multiple containers depending on the cargo configuration, optimizing both complexity and capacity requirements.
3Ease of operation
If articles are loaded in arbitrary order, then loading operation is simple, but storage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the optimal loading sequence and placement positions through simulation before actual loading occurs. The simulation unit calculates the best order to load articles based on their attributes, creating a predetermined loading plan that guides the loading operation. This preliminary planning ensures high storage efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity by providing clear loading instructions.
Data Source
AI summary
An article-storage simulation device includes an acquisition unit that acquires a size of each of the plurality of articles and a size of the storage container. A simulator determines the number of storage containers to be used for storing the articles and a number of articles to be stored by calculation. The calculation uses the acquired size of the articles and the acquired size of the container. The simulator (i) places the article in the container, (ii) determines whether a next article can be placed in the container after the article is placed, and (iii) in a case where the simulator determines that the next article can be placed, places the next article in the container after the article is placed and in a case where the simulator determines that the next article cannot be placed, adds a next container to be used for storing the next article.