Autonomous Packing System Using Segmented Shelf and Dual-Stage Material Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for fully autonomous packing systems in delivery stations that can efficiently pack goods without human intervention, especially in limited urban spaces, to meet the demand for rapid delivery and reduce operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous packing apparatus comprising a body with a shelf actuator, output devices for packing material, and a computerized management system that outputs and manages packing material in two stages to securely encase goods, utilizing rollers, heaters, and blower for efficient packaging, allowing the system to operate independently and in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional conveyor belt system is used for packing, then packing efficiency can be improved, but the system size increases and cannot be accommodated in limited urban delivery station spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The packing system is divided into modular functional units: a shelf for holding goods, rollers for material dispensing, a heater for sealing, and a blower for shrinking. These segmented modules are arranged compactly around the shelf, eliminating the need for lengthy conveyor belts while maintaining packing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing components are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the shelf rather than in a linear conveyor belt arrangement. The rollers, heater, and blower are positioned at different spatial locations (front, back, sides) to create a compact volumetric layout that achieves high packing efficiency without requiring large floor space.
2Speed
If delivery stations are located in city centers for rapid delivery, then delivery speed is improved, but operational costs increase due to expensive locations
Solution Approach 1:
The packing system operates fully autonomously without human intervention. The computerized management system automatically controls the shelf actuator, rollers, heater, and blower to complete the packing process. This self-service capability eliminates the need for paid staff at expensive city center locations, reducing operational costs while maintaining rapid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a computerized management system that can adjust operational parameters (such as heater temperature, roller speed, blower intensity) to optimize packing efficiency and reduce energy consumption. This allows the station to operate cost-effectively in expensive urban locations by minimizing resource usage while maintaining service quality.
3Reliability
If packing material is outputted in two stages with shelf movement, then packing reliability is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first portion of packing material is outputted before the goods are placed on the shelf, preparing the base layer in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the packing structure is already in place before goods arrive, improving reliability by preventing material shortages or improper positioning during the packing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The computerized management system monitors the packing process and automatically controls the sequential operation of rollers, shelf actuator, and heater based on process status. This feedback control ensures that each operation (material dispensing, shelf movement, sealing) occurs at the correct time, improving packing reliability while managing complexity through automated coordination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fully autonomous packing of goods in delivery stations, reducing operational costs and ensuring efficient packaging in limited urban spaces, meeting the demand for rapid delivery without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for closing the packing material after outputting the second portion
Implementation Method 2
a heated blower for outputting hot air after the heater closes the packing material
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous packing apparatus, including a body, a shelf coupled to the body for placing goods, a shelf actuator for moving the shelf relative to the body, output device for outputting a packing material for packing the goods while the goods are located on the shelf, a computerized management system coupled to the shelf actuator and to the output device, including a set of instructions for outputting a first portion of the packing material before the goods are placed on the shelf, moving the shelf after the goods are placed on the shelf, and outputting a second portion of the packing material after the goods are placed on the shelf.