Bottom-Opening Storage Bin for Robotic Grid Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic picking systems for storage containers in stacked configurations face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for manual intervention and complex hoisting mechanisms, leading to congestion and increased investment in pick stations.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a grid pattern of parallel rails and uprights allows robotic load handling devices to move freely, enabling direct robotic picking and transfer of items from storage bins to delivery containers within the grid, reducing manual intervention and optimizing bin handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pick stations are used for transferring items from storage bins to delivery containers, then item transfer can be accomplished, but system costs increase and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is equipped with an automatic dispensing mechanism that enables it to transfer items autonomously to delivery containers without requiring manual intervention at pick stations. The bin serves itself by detecting when an item needs to be dispensed and automatically releasing it through the bottom opening, eliminating the need for complex pick station infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The item transfer function is extracted from the centralized pick station and embedded directly into the storage bin itself. By placing the dispensing mechanism and bottom opening directly on the bin, the system removes the need for separate pick stations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving productivity.
2Extent of automation
If robotic load handling devices operate on a grid system, then automation extent increases, but device complexity increases due to track and grid infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a storage container and as an automated dispensing station. The bin can be moved by robotic load handlers to different locations on the grid, and at each location, it can automatically dispense items to different delivery containers. This universal design reduces the need for specialized pick stations at each grid location, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high automation extent.
3Quantity of substance
If storage bins are stacked in high configurations, then storage density increases, but access complexity increases due to height
Solution Approach 1:
The manual or mechanical hoisting mechanisms are replaced with robotic load handling devices that operate on an automated grid system. These robotic devices can precisely position and retrieve bins from high stack configurations without requiring complex mechanical hoisting infrastructure. The automation substitutes for the mechanical complexity, allowing high storage density to be achieved without proportional increases in access complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanised container for use in a robotic storage and picking system is described. The container includes a base openable to deposit at least one item from the container in to a further container positioned by a load handling device beneath the first container. Each item can be stored in such mechanised containers in stacks within a robotic storage and picking system.