Automated Goods Sorting System Resolving Container Accumulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In warehousing systems, when the quantity of to-be-picked containers is large, the inefficiency of human sorting compared to machine transfer leads to a mismatch, causing accumulation of containers on the conveying belt and affecting sorting efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves parsing order information to determine source and target container locations, generating delivery instructions for both source and target containers, and using a sorting apparatus to automate the picking and placement of items, thereby improving sorting efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If human sorting is used to handle to-be-picked containers, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operation efficiency is lower than machine transfer efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting flexibilityVSAvoidsorting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-service sorting where the robotic assembly autonomously picks items from source containers and places them in target containers based on order information, eliminating the need for human sorting operations while maintaining high adaptability through programmable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the human mechanical sorting system with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic assembly uses mechanical arms and grippers to perform picking and placing operations, substituting human labor with machine automation to achieve both high efficiency and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated robotic picking is implemented, then sorting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations including picking items from source containers, placing them in target containers, and adapting to different sorting requirements through programmable control, thereby achieving high sorting efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a control server as an intermediary that manages the complex coordination between the robotic assembly, conveying belt, and container management. This centralized control mediates the complexity by providing unified scheduling and coordination, allowing the robotic system to operate efficiently without overwhelming complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If conveying belt transfers containers at high speed, then transfer efficiency is improved, but mismatch with human sorting speed causes container accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidcontainer accumulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated robotic picking system operates continuously at high speed alongside the conveying belt, eliminating the idle time that occurs with human sorting. The robotic assembly maintains continuous picking action that matches the high-speed container transfer, preventing accumulation and ensuring seamless workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the robotic assembly's operating speed and the conveying belt's transfer rate to maintain optimal synchronization. This dynamic coordination ensures that container transfer speed and picking speed are matched in real-time, preventing accumulation while maximizing overall efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250128882A1Method for goods sorting, server, system for goods sorting, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 HAI ROBOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

This application provides a method and an apparatus goods sorting, a server, a system for goods sorting, and a storage medium. A method for goods picking provided in this application includes: determining at least one source container location and a target container location according to target item information included in order information; generating a source container delivery instruction according to the at least one source container location, generating a target container delivery instruction according to the source container delivery instruction and the target container location, sending the source container delivery instruction to cause a source delivery assembly to deliver the at least one source container to a preset pickup location, and sending the target container delivery instruction to cause a target delivery assembly to deliver a target container to a preset placement location; and generating a sorting instruction according to the source container delivery instruction to cause a sorting apparatus to pick a target item from the source container located in the preset pickup location and place the target item in the target container located in the preset placement location.