Article Transfer Facility Dead Space Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transfer facilities are inefficient in reducing dead space in the arrangement region, as they only change the arrangement position in the depth direction after no longer space is available in the left-right direction, leading to suboptimal use of the arrangement area.
Innovation Solution
An article transfer facility with a control device that determines the size of dead spaces in the arrangement region by considering candidate positions adjacent to set articles in both orthogonal directions, adjusting the arrangement position based on the size of these spaces to minimize dead space, using a multi-joint robot arm and image capture devices to optimize article placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If articles are arranged only in the left-right direction until no space remains, then the arrangement process is simple, but dead space in the arrangement region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from arranging articles in only one direction (left-right) to considering arrangement in multiple directions (left-right and depth directions). The control device calculates candidate positions in both directions and selects the arrangement that minimizes dead space, effectively adding a dimensional perspective to the arrangement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the arrangement parameters by introducing directional flexibility. Instead of fixed left-right arrangement, the system evaluates multiple arrangement directions and selects optimal positions based on dead space minimization, dynamically adjusting arrangement parameters based on available space configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If articles are arranged from the distal side of the arrangement region, then articles can be packed densely in one direction, but dead space increases when the arrangement region shape does not match the article layout
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates candidate positions in both the left-right direction and the depth direction, not just arranging from the distal side in one direction. This multi-directional approach allows better adaptation to the rectangular arrangement region shape and reduces dead space.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device预先 calculates multiple candidate positions and evaluates dead space for each candidate before actual arrangement. This preliminary evaluation allows selection of the optimal arrangement position that minimizes dead space before the article is physically placed.
3Device complexity
If the arrangement position is changed only after no space remains in the left-right direction, then the control logic is simple, but the utilization of the arrangement region is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is extended to evaluate candidate positions in both left-right and depth directions simultaneously. Instead of simple sequential arrangement, the system considers multiple directions and selects the position that best utilizes the arrangement region, improving productivity through smarter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by calculating dead space for each candidate position and using this information to select the optimal arrangement position. The control device continuously evaluates the arrangement state and adjusts subsequent article positions based on dead space feedback to maximize utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device (10) of an article transfer facility (100) determines the size of a first dead space surrounded by a set article (Wd) and a target article (Wc) located at a first candidate position (P1). If the size of the first dead space is smaller than a first threshold (TH1), the control device (10) sets the first candidate position (P1) as the arrangement position of the target article (Wc). If the size of the first dead space is greater than or equal to the first threshold (TH1), the control device (10) determines the size of a second dead space surrounded by the set article (Wd) and the target article (Wc) located at a second candidate position (P2). If the size of the second dead space is smaller than a second threshold (TH2), the control device (10) sets the second candidate position (P2) as the arrangement position of the target article (Wc).