ASRS Article Transport Speed Control for Throughput and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) face reliability issues and high operational and maintenance costs due to article transport devices running at a single, maximum speed, leading to increased wear-and-tear and noise, despite varying throughput requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller device that dynamically adjusts the speed of article transport devices based on throughput data, using expected or actual throughput rates and ranges, to optimize operation and reduce wear-and-tear, noise, and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If article transport devices run at maximum speed continuously, then throughput is maximized, but wear-and-tear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the speed of article transport devices based on real-time throughput requirements. The controller receives throughput data and automatically modifies speed settings, transitioning from static maximum speed operation to dynamic speed adaptation, thereby reducing wear during low-demand periods while maintaining high throughput when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter (speed) of transport devices based on throughput conditions. By monitoring throughput rates and adjusting speed parameters accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between productivity and equipment longevity, avoiding continuous maximum speed operation that causes excessive wear.
2Productivity
If article transport devices run at maximum speed continuously, then throughput is maximized, but operational and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts speed parameters based on actual throughput needs, reducing energy consumption and operational costs during low-demand periods while maintaining high throughput when required. This dynamic parameter adjustment directly reduces the total cost of ownership by optimizing the balance between productivity and operational expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback regarding throughput rates and automatically adjusts speed settings in response. This closed-loop control system ensures that transport devices operate at appropriate speeds based on actual demand, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing maintenance costs through reduced wear-and-tear.
3Productivity
If article transport devices run at maximum speed continuously, then throughput is maximized, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transport device speeds based on throughput requirements, reducing noise-generating operations during low-demand periods while maintaining high-speed operation when throughput is critical. This creates a more favorable acoustic environment without permanently sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing dynamic control in an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) are provided. For example, an example method may include retrieving throughput data associated with an ASRS, wherein the throughput data comprises at least one of an expected throughput rate or an actual throughput rate associated with the ASRS; retrieving at least one throughput range associated with the ASRS, wherein each of the at least one throughput range comprises an upper throughput limit associated with the ASRS and a lower throughput limit associated with the ASRS; and adjusting at least one speed setting of at least one article transport device of the ASRS based at least in part on the throughput data and the at least one throughput range.