Cargo Unit Cache Scheduling for Warehouse Transfer Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited number of cache locations in warehousing systems leads to inefficient robot transfer operations due to increasing idle cache locations, affecting overall transfer efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A goods unit scheduling method that dynamically adjusts cache location utilization by determining a target goods unit for transfer to an idle storage location based on cache location utilization rates, utilizing a control device to send transfer instructions to a transfer device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of cache locations is increased to improve robot transfer efficiency, then transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot transfer efficiencyVSAvoidwarehousing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts cache location allocation based on real-time utilization rates. When cache location utilization reaches a threshold, the system automatically triggers transfer operations to move goods from cache to storage locations, making the cache capacity effectively adaptable without physically increasing cache locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by monitoring cache location utilization rates and adjusting transfer operations accordingly. This parameter-based control allows the system to optimize transfer efficiency without increasing the physical number of cache locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If more cache locations are provided to reduce invalid occupation, then cache reuse rate increases, but the area and cost of the warehousing system increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecache reuse rateVSAvoidwarehousing area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring cache location utilization rates and using this information to trigger transfer operations. This feedback mechanism ensures cache locations are utilized efficiently without requiring additional space, as transfers are initiated based on actual utilization patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting when cache locations need to be cleared and initiating transfer operations without external intervention. This self-managing approach optimizes cache reuse rates within the existing physical constraints of the warehousing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the number of transfer actions is reduced to lower costs, then operation efficiency improves, but cache location utilization may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidcache location utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by monitoring cache location utilization rates and triggering transfer operations before cache locations become completely occupied. This proactive approach prevents transfer bottlenecks and maintains high operation efficiency without excessive transfer actions, optimizing the balance between utilization and operational flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4699957A1Scheduling method and apparatus for cargo unit
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 BEIJING GEEKPLUS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4699957A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4699957A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP4699957A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

A scheduling method and apparatus for a cargo unit. The method comprises: acquiring a first number of caching positions and a second number of occupied caching positions in a first storage area (100), wherein the first storage area (100) comprises at least one storage rack (120), and a plurality of caching positions and a plurality of storage positions are preset on the storage rack (120); according to the first number and the second number, determining a caching position usage rate of the first storage area (100) (204); when the caching position usage rate reaches a preset usage rate threshold value, determining a target cargo unit from cargo units which are cached by the occupied caching positions (206); and sending a cargo unit carrying instruction to a first carrying device (110) in the first storage area (100), so as to control the first carrying device (110) to carry the target cargo unit to a target vacant storage position (208). By means of the scheduling method and apparatus, the carrying time of a first carrying device (110) can be saved on, the processing period of the first carrying device (110) can be shortened, and the carrying efficiency of the first carrying device (110) can be improved.