Automated Store Container Handling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated store systems face challenges in efficiently handling and retrieving articles from variously sized and shaped shipping containers, requiring manual intervention and incurring high labor and operational costs due to the need for human handling and organization of containers and articles.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that includes a secure housing with a port for receiving and authorizing shipping containers, a robotic mechanism for opening containers based on their dimensions, and a computer-controlled retrieval system using sensors and vision systems to identify and retrieve articles without human contact, allowing for automatic storage and distribution of articles to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and organization of containers and articles is used, then flexibility in handling variously sized and shaped containers is maintained, but labor costs and operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors and vision systems to automatically detect container dimensions and article positions, enabling the system to self-adjust and self-operate without human intervention. The robotic mechanism autonomously opens containers and retrieves articles based on automated detection, making the system self-sufficient in handling various container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic mechanism is designed with adjustable parameters that can be dynamically changed based on detected container dimensions. The system modifies its operational parameters (such as gripper force, opening mechanism activation, and retrieval path) according to the specific size and shape of each container, enabling versatile handling without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If automated robotic mechanisms are implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but system complexity and initial operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic mechanism is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: detecting container dimensions, opening various types of containers, positioning itself, and retrieving articles. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual mechanical operations with automated sensing and control systems. Sensors and vision systems detect container characteristics, and a control system automatically coordinates the robotic mechanism's actions, substituting intricate manual mechanical adjustments with automated electronic control that simplifies operation despite increased initial system complexity.
3Productivity
If automated detection and retrieval systems are used, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but initial investment and system setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of container dimensions and article positions using sensors and vision systems before the retrieval operation begins. This preliminary action allows the control system to pre-plan the retrieval path and adjust parameters in advance, streamlining the actual retrieval process and reducing setup time during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor container characteristics and article positions, and the control system adjusts operational parameters in real-time based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to variations in container types and article arrangements automatically, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing the need for manual setup adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated store for storing and then distributing articles, including a housing for receiving closed shipping containers for storage, and for distributing articles retrieved from inside the shipping containers to an output of the housing. The housing further including entry means for controlling entry into the housing of closed shipping containers. Automated forming means form an opening in each of the plurality of the shipping containers, storing means for storing the opened shipping containers, computer controlled retrieving means for entering into selected ones of tee opened shipping containers via the formed opening to retrieve an article and moving means for moving the retrieved articles to an output are further included in the housing.