Multi-Tier Baggage Carousel for Sequenced Airport Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baggage handling systems at airports face inefficiencies and low productivity in the bag room, particularly in the makeup unit (MU) where mixed streams of baggage are sorted and loaded into carts for aircraft, due to a classical hierarchical structure and oversized storage systems that lead to long operational windows and poor ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered carousel system with addressable storage cells that allows for individual baggage items to be stored and retrieved in an optimal sequence, converting the baggage handling process to a pull system, thereby reducing the need for oversized storage systems and improving space utilization, and enabling efficient sorting and sequencing of baggage items for loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a classical hierarchical structure with oversized storage systems is used for baggage sorting, then baggage items can be stored and retrieved, but the operational window becomes long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple tiers of carousels with addressable storage cells, allowing independent access and retrieval of individual baggage items without processing entire batches, thereby reducing operational window and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static oversized storage to dynamic multi-tier carousel structures that can rotate and position storage cells at charge and discharge points, enabling flexible and efficient baggage handling with reduced operational time
2Quantity of substance
If oversized storage systems are used to handle mixed streams of baggage, then all baggage items can be accommodated, but excessive space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-level horizontal storage to multi-tier vertical carousel structures, utilizing vertical space to increase storage capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint, thereby accommodating more baggage items in a compact area
3Productivity
If a pull system with multi-tier carousels is implemented, then space utilization is optimized and productivity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-tier carousel system serves multiple functions including storage, sequencing, and transfer of baggage items within a single integrated structure, reducing the need for separate systems and minimizing overall device complexity despite the advanced functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A baggage handling system includes a multi-tiered carousel system, an input conveyor system, an output conveyor system and a control system. Each tier of the multi-tiered carousel system includes an array of addressable storage cells movable along a loop having a charge point and a discharge point. Each storage cell is configured to store a single baggage item. The input conveyor system transfers baggage items selectively to the addressable storage cells of the multiple tiers at the respective charge points, for storage therein. The output conveyor system retrieves baggage items selectively from the addressable storage cells of the multiple tiers at the respective discharge points and conveys the retrieved baggage items in a queue. The storage and retrieval of baggage items is controlled by the control system such that the retrieved baggage items are queued to conform to a determined sequence.