Automated Storage Management Device Optimizing Load Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated storage systems experience decreased efficiency in carrying loads out of racks when loads with middle-ranked carrying frequencies are stored, as their stock is not sufficient for dispersed storage across all racks.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage system that includes a management device to categorize loads into high-ranked, middle-ranked, and low-ranked products based on carrying frequency, and strategically determines storage positions to disperse high-ranked products across all racks and middle-ranked products in neighboring areas close to stations, thereby optimizing load retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If loads with middle-ranked carrying frequency are stored in conventional automated storages, then the storage capacity is utilized, but the efficiency of carrying loads out of racks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating storage locations into neighboring areas (close to stations) and non-neighboring areas. Middle-ranked loads are specifically placed in neighboring areas of automated storages that are close to their destination stations, while high-ranked loads are dispersed across all storages. This localized quality differentiation optimizes retrieval efficiency for middle-ranked loads without compromising overall storage capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the automated storage system into multiple zones: neighboring areas close to stations and non-neighboring areas farther away. By dividing the storage space and assigning different load types to different segments, the system achieves both high storage capacity utilization and improved carrying efficiency. The segmentation allows middle-ranked loads to be positioned strategically in neighboring areas for faster retrieval.
2Volume of stationary object
If middle-ranked products are not dispersedly stored in all racks, then storage space is saved, but the efficiency of carrying loads out of racks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designating specific neighboring areas within automated storages as optimal locations for middle-ranked loads. These neighboring areas are positioned close to stations, creating a localized zone of high accessibility. This approach maintains space efficiency by not requiring middle-ranked loads to be dispersed across all racks, while still achieving high retrieval efficiency through strategic local placement.
3Productivity
If loads are dispersedly stored across all automated storages, then carrying efficiency is improved, but middle-ranked loads require sufficient stock which is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into neighboring and non-neighboring areas, allowing middle-ranked loads to be concentrated in neighboring areas rather than dispersed across all storages. This segmentation enables high carrying efficiency for middle-ranked loads with limited stock, as they are positioned in optimal retrieval locations without requiring widespread distribution. High-ranked loads continue to be dispersed across all storages to maintain their efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by dispersing only high-ranked loads across all automated storages, while middle-ranked loads are placed selectively in neighboring areas. This partial dispersion strategy achieves the efficiency benefits of dispersal for critical loads without requiring the same level of dispersion for middle-ranked loads, thereby reducing the total stock requirement while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage system includes: a group of automated storages; stations that receive loads carried out of the group of automated storages; one or more carriers that carry the loads from the group of automated storages to the stations; and a management device that determines storage positions of loads. The management device includes: a category information obtainer that obtains category information for categorizing loads into high-ranked products, middle-ranked products, and low-ranked products based on a load carrying frequency; a neighboring area information obtainer that obtains neighboring area information indicating neighboring areas in which loads categorized as the middle-ranked products are stored and each of which is close to a different one of the stations; and a storage information generator that generates storage information for dispersedly storing the loads categorized as the middle-ranked products in the neighboring areas based on the category information and the neighboring area information.