Case Unit Position Mapping After Seismic Rack Disturbance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warehouse storage and retrieval systems face challenges in detecting and repositioning displaced case units after seismic events or collisions, which affect the ability to retrieve and transport goods efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An automated storage and retrieval system with disturbance identification and restorative capabilities, utilizing nondeterministic positioning of case units, dynamic modeling, and sensor systems to map and reposition displaced units, ensuring accurate retrieval and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If case units are stored in fixed positions on storage racks, then retrieval efficiency is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to disturbances such as seismic events or collisions that displace case units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to disturbancesVSAvoidretrieval efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, fixed-position storage to dynamic positioning where case units can be relocated after disturbances. Sensors detect displaced units and the system automatically repositions them to predetermined locations, allowing the storage system to adapt to seismic events, collisions, or other disturbances while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system implements disturbance detection and repositioning capabilities, then adaptability to seismic events and collisions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisturbance detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical disturbance detection and case repositioning systems with automated robotic units guided by sensor data and control algorithms. Instead of mechanical switches or complex linkages to detect and respond to disturbances, the system uses sensors to identify displaced cases and autonomous robots to retrieve and reposition them, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary control system that coordinates between sensors detecting disturbances and robotic units performing repositioning. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by centralizing decision-making logic, allowing the system to handle disturbance detection and case repositioning without requiring direct complex interactions between multiple mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If case units are allowed to move freely on storage racks, then the system can accommodate disturbances, but measurement precision of case unit positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase unit mobilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors that continuously monitor the positions of case units on storage racks. When disturbances cause cases to move from their predetermined locations, the sensors detect the displacement and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise measurement of case positions even as they move, allowing the system to identify and reposition displaced units with accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3200032B1Storage and retrieval system case unit detection

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SYMBOTIC LLC

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D

AI summary

An automated storage and retrieval system including a storage structure with storage racks having a seating surface configured to support case units where a position of each case unit is non-deterministic for each storage location on the storage racks, each case unit has a predetermined storage position and a controller is configured to determine the predetermined storage position, a picking aisle configured to provide access to the case units within the storage structure, and a seismic disturbance restorative system including seismic disturbance motions sensors disposed on the storage racks, a seismic disturbance control module in communication with the seismic disturbance sensors and configured to identify a seismic disturbance, and an automated case mapper configured to traverse the picking aisle, the automated case mapper being in communication with and initialized by the seismic disturbance control module to identify a seated position of at least one case unit within the storage structure.