Batch Picking Interface for Shared-Container Order Queues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems are inefficient in handling multiple orders for the same items as they require containers to be repeatedly sent back to the storage and retrieval unit for each picking operation, leading to slow processing times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that reconfigures the order queue to group orders sharing common storage containers, allowing simultaneous picking from multiple orders using a single container without returning it to the storage unit, and utilizes a Warehouse Management Service (WMS) to optimize the container queue at the port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are sent back to the storage unit for each picking operation, then picking operations can be performed, but processing time increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple picking operations into a single container transport by grouping orders that share common storage containers. Instead of sending containers back to the storage unit for each individual pick, the system combines multiple picks into batch operations, allowing one container to serve multiple orders simultaneously. This reduces the number of round trips and increases throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-grouping orders into batches before they reach the picking station. The system anticipates which orders share common containers and pre-organizes them accordingly, so that when containers are brought to the port, the picking operations can proceed efficiently without unnecessary returns to the storage unit.
2Ease of operation
If containers are repeatedly returned to storage unit, then each order can be picked individually, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the picking process by merging multiple individual picking operations into a unified batch processing approach. Orders are grouped by common containers, and the system handles them as a single unit rather than processing each order separately. This reduces the number of discrete operations and simplifies the overall workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling containers to serve multiple orders simultaneously. A single container transport operation serves multiple picking operations, making the container handling system more versatile and less complex. The same infrastructure handles both storage and multiple picking functions without requiring separate dedicated paths for each operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimising the picking of items from containers at a port of an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure (100) forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure (104) for storing storage containers (106) for storing items, where the grid structure (104) forms vertical storage columns (105) each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening (112) of the vertical storage columns (105) and where the framework structure comprises a rail system (108) arranged above the storage columns (105), the rail system comprising a plurality of rails extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction to form a grid, the rails defining a perimeter of each access opening (112) on top of each storage column (105), the rail system (108) providing available routes in the X-direction or the Y-direction for container handling vehicles (201, 301) handling and transferring the storage containers (106) to and from the storage columns (105), wherein the method comprises the following steps; presenting the central computer system with a queue of tasks, reconfiguring the queue of tasks that can share sorting container with another orders, setting the container queue at the port based on the inventory inside a container/container compartment in such a way that when one container is presented it gets the maximum amount of pick to destination containers.