Automatic locker device with at least one buffer zone for the loading/recovery of loads and corresponding method for handling loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic locker systems face inefficiencies in loading and unloading operations, including lengthy loading times, immobilization of retrieval points during loading, and ergonomical challenges that hinder speed and accessibility for both delivery personnel and customers.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a buffer zone and a configuration of handling means that move loads from the buffer zone to the storage zone during loading and from the storage zone to the buffer zone during recovery, allowing simultaneous retrieval and reducing the need for mobile trolleys, enhancing ergonomics and storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If delivery personnel manually load parcels into each compartment of the automatic locker, then the loading operation can be completed, but the loading time becomes lengthy and the operation speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer zone is introduced as an intermediary area between the loading aperture and the storage compartments. The buffer zone receives parcels from the aperture and makes them available to handling means for automatic distribution to storage compartments, eliminating the need for manual loading into each compartment and significantly reducing loading time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic handling of parcels through handling means that autonomously transfer parcels from the buffer zone to the appropriate storage compartments based on destination information, without requiring continuous manual intervention for each parcel placement.
2Quantity of substance
If compartments are disposed at different heights to maximize storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility becomes difficult for certain members of the public and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A retrieval point with a buffer zone serves as an intermediary interface between the storage compartments and customers. The buffer zone temporarily holds parcels retrieved from various height levels, allowing customers to access all parcels at a uniform, ergonomically appropriate height without directly accessing compartments at different heights.
3Productivity
If handling means move loads during loading operations, then loading can be performed, but the retrieval point becomes immobilized and customer retrieval operations cannot proceed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a loading area with aperture and buffer zone for loading operations, and a separate retrieval point with its own buffer zone for customer operations. This spatial segmentation allows loading and retrieval operations to occur simultaneously in different areas without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Separate buffer zones are introduced as intermediaries in both loading and retrieval operations. The loading buffer zone receives parcels from the aperture, while the retrieval buffer zone presents parcels to customers. These intermediary zones decouple the loading and retrieval processes, enabling them to proceed simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile trolleys are used for loading operations, then flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases and storage capacity is limited by the trolley design
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile trolley is extracted from the system and replaced by a fixed buffer zone structure. This eliminates the complexity associated with mobile trolley mechanisms while maintaining the functional benefit of a flexible loading interface. The buffer zone is directly integrated into the locker structure, simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic locker device is configured for handling loads with operations of loading and retrieval. The device includes at least one storage zone for storing loads, at least one retrieval point and a handling mechanism, which is configured to move the loads from the at least one storage zone to the at least one retrieval point, for the retrieval operations. The automatic locker device also includes at least one buffer zone, distinct from the at least one storage zone. The handling mechanism is configured to move the loads from the at least one buffer zone to the at least one storage zone, for the loading operations.