Bidirectional Picking Workflow for Order Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current picking systems are inefficient and error-prone, with high automation and conveyor technology costs, and complex mechanical designs, leading to suboptimal performance and increased error likelihood due to complex workflows and unnecessary paths for picking personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that optimizes the arrangement of storage and order containers, utilizing a bidirectional picking path and time-sharing with conveyor systems to minimize idle times and errors, allowing for efficient picking with reduced automation and conveyor complexity, enabling the picking person to focus on picking tasks without unnecessary travel or errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated conveyor systems and drive stations are used to transport storage containers, then storage container transport efficiency is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The picking person manually transports storage containers between the first and second provision devices, eliminating the need for automated conveyor systems and drive stations. This self-service approach reduces device complexity and production costs while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the automated conveyor technology and drive stations from the system, replacing them with manual handling by the picking person. This extraction eliminates the complex mechanical components while preserving the essential storage container transport function.
2Measurement precision
If light paths are used to guide picking personnel, then picking accuracy is improved, but picking performance is impaired due to erratic workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic workflow where the picking person alternates direction between the first and second provision devices based on the sequence of storage container provision. This dynamic approach creates a logical, non-erratic workflow that maintains both accuracy and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by having the picking person continuously move between provision devices in an alternating pattern, eliminating idle time and maintaining steady workflow. The bidirectional movement ensures that the picking person is always engaged in productive activity.
3Reliability
If storage containers are positioned at distant locations, then picking error probability is reduced through better separation, but idle paths and empty routes increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the picking person return to a single starting position, the patent inverts the workflow by having the picking person alternate between two provision devices. This bidirectional approach eliminates unnecessary return trips and converts what would be idle paths into productive picking activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the alternating sequence of picking from the first provision device, then the second provision device, and repeating this pattern. This periodic workflow ensures continuous productive movement without idle paths.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex workflows with multiple paths are implemented, then picking coverage is improved, but error susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workflow into two distinct provision devices with clear functional separation. Each device handles specific storage containers in a defined sequence, creating simple, discrete picking tasks that reduce error susceptibility while maintaining comprehensive picking coverage.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The method involves providing a storage container (5), and buffer device (16) which is arranged between provision devices (12,13) in buffer locations (17). The commissioning devices (19,20) are arranged in space formed between the provision devices. The articles removed from storage container are provided to provision devices and are commissioned to order container (7) by commissioning devices respectively. The acknowledgements corresponding the commissioning orders between the provision devices is provided to persons (6,6'). An independent claim is included for commissioning device.