ASRS Shuttle Position-Based Pairing for Reliable Aisle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently associating shuttles with computing devices for automated communication, leading to high manufacturing costs and increased system failures due to motor-driven control systems on dynamic parts.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for automatically associating a shuttle with a computing device by detecting position identifiers, generating shuttle position data, and establishing a two-way communication channel using sensors and computing devices, enabling efficient shuttle-computing device communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual user interaction is used to associate shuttles with computing devices, then the association process can be controlled and monitored, but the manufacturing cost increases and system reliability decreases due to complex electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidelectronic components complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic association mechanisms with a simpler positioning-based system. Shuttiles automatically associate with computing devices by physically positioning themselves at designated association locations within the aisle, eliminating the need for complex electronic pairing protocols and reducing component complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The shuttile performs self-association with the computing device by autonomously navigating to the association location and establishing communication without external intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces manual user interaction and simplifies the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual user interaction is required for shuttle association, then communication can be established between shuttle and computing device, but productivity decreases due to user-intensive processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassociation efficiencyVSAvoiduser interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shuttile autonomously completes the association process by navigating to the computing device, establishing communication protocols, and registering itself without requiring user intervention. This automation eliminates manual steps and significantly improves association efficiency and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures association locations and communication protocols before the shuttile arrives. When the shuttile reaches the predetermined location, the association process is already prepared and can be completed automatically, eliminating the need for real-time user configuration and improving operational speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If complex electronic components are used for shuttle-computing device communication, then automated communication can be established, but manufacturing cost increases and system failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated communicationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic communication infrastructure with a simpler position-based communication system. The shuttile uses its position within the aisle as the primary identification mechanism, reducing the need for complex electronic components and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining automated communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the identification parameter from complex electronic signatures to simple positional coordinates. By using the shuttile's physical location as the primary identification method, the system reduces electronic component requirements and manufacturing complexity while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12623847B2Methods, apparatuses, and systems for operating an automated storage and retrieval system

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments are directed to methods, system, and apparatuses for operating an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). In various embodiments, computer-implemented method of operating an ASRS comprises detecting, via a shuttle, a position identifier associated with a shuttle aisle of an ASRS, the shuttle being positioned within the shuttle aisle and configured for transportation to one or more storage location defined by the shuttle aisle; generating shuttle position data associated with the shuttle based at least in part on the detected position identifier associated with the shuttle aisle; transmitting the shuttle position data to a computing device of the ASRS, the computing device being associated with the shuttle aisle; and automatically associating the shuttle with the computing device such that the shuttle is configured to communicate with the computing device by establishing a two-way communication channel between the shuttle and the computing device.