Automated Replenishment for Self-Service Pick-Up Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing self-service pick-up cabinet systems rely on manual replenishment, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, affecting delivery efficiency and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a goods transport device with a moving unit and a goods carrying unit, controlled by a system that automatically transports and places replenishing goods into designated lockers within the self-service pick-up cabinet, utilizing a cartesian robot and a horizontal tray with a push plate for precise positioning and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replenishment is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the productivity is low and labor costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The goods transport device enables the self-service pick-up cabinet to automatically replenish its own goods without external manual intervention. The device autonomously navigates to the cabinet, receives goods from the inlet, and distributes them to designated lockers, making the replenishment process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical replenishment process with an automated goods transport device that uses mobile robots or automated vehicles to physically transport and deliver goods. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity.
2Productivity
If automated goods transport device is introduced, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The goods transport device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various replenishment tasks. It can navigate to different cabinet locations, receive goods from the inlet, identify designated lockers, and distribute goods accordingly. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the various components of the goods transport device and the self-service pick-up cabinet. It coordinates the navigation, goods reception, locker identification, and distribution processes, managing the complexity of the automated system through centralized control and communication protocols.
3Loss of time
If manual replenishment is used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated goods transport device enables continuous replenishment operations by eliminating the interruptions and delays associated with manual replenishment. The device can continuously navigate, receive goods, and distribute them to lockers without breaks, thereby significantly reducing the time lost during replenishment operations while the automation manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying designated lockers and preparing goods for distribution before the actual replenishment process begins. The control system can pre-process replenishment orders, determine optimal delivery sequences, and prepare the transport device for efficient execution, thereby reducing overall replenishment time while managing complexity through advance planning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for replenishing a self-service pick-up cabinet, a self-service pick-up cabinet system, an apparatus, and a method are provided. The system for replenishing self-service pick-up cabinet controls, by means of a control system, an goods transport device to acquire replenishing goods at an inlet of a self-service pick-up cabinet, and transports the replenishing goods to a goods locker, which is designated by the control system, of the self-service pick-up cabinet. The self-service pick-up cabinet system comprises the system for replenishing a self-service pick-up cabinet, the self-service pick-up cabinet and an unmanned delivery vehicle. The unmanned delivery vehicle transports and unload the replenishing goods to the inlet of the self-service pick-up cabinet. The replenishing efficiency of the self-service pick-up cabinet is improved and the labor cost is reduced.