Circumferential Container Storage Layout for Flexible Robot Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot storage systems in retail warehouses face inefficiencies due to low space utilization, inflexible layout, and inability to adapt to frequent inbound and outbound operations, leading to high costs and low throughput.
Innovation Solution
A storage system utilizing a 6-axis industrial robot with a circumferential warehouse shelf, enabling efficient storage and scheduling of containers through a rotatable effector that can handle various types and quantities of containers, and a flexible gripper mechanism for multi-layer handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional robot storage systems are used, then automation is achieved, but space utilization is low and layout is inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or grid-based storage layouts to a circumferential (circular) storage shelf arrangement. This dimensional change allows the robot to access storage positions from the center, maximizing space utilization by eliminating wasted corner spaces and enabling more efficient use of the available floor area while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable effector mechanism that can dynamically adjust its orientation to access different storage positions on the circumferential shelf. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying storage and retrieval demands, optimizing space utilization by enabling flexible access patterns rather than fixed, rigid positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional storage layouts are used, then simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential storage shelf design serves multiple functions: it provides storage capacity, enables flexible access from the center, accommodates various container types and sizes, and allows dynamic reconfiguration through the rotatable effector. This multi-functional design achieves high flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the circular geometry provides inherent efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential shelf is divided into multiple independent storage compartments or positions arranged around the circle. This segmentation allows individual positions to be accessed independently by the rotatable effector, providing flexibility in storing and retrieving different items without requiring system-wide reconfiguration, thus managing complexity through modular organization.
3Productivity
If conventional robot handling systems are used, then standard operations are performed, but handling efficiency for multiple layers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism employs a nested structure with multiple gripper fingers or components that can extend and retract. This nesting allows the mechanism to access containers at different vertical levels within the storage compartments, enabling multi-layer handling capability while keeping the mechanism compact and manageable in terms of complexity when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper mechanism is designed with dynamic components that can adjust their position and orientation to accommodate different container types, sizes, and stacking configurations. This dynamic adaptability improves handling efficiency across multiple layers without requiring a completely separate mechanism for each layer, managing complexity through versatile, reconfigurable design.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of present disclosure relates to a method of managing a container for storing products including: obtaining a type of the container on a conveyor line; determining, based on the determined type, for the container, a target storage position on a circumferential shelf, wherein the circumferential shelf includes a plurality of storage racks arranged in a circumferential shape, a storage rack includes a plurality of storage compartments arranged in multiple layers, and a storage compartment includes at least one storage position for storing at least one container; and actuating, based on the determined target storage position, a rotatable effector located inside the circumferential shelf to transfer the container to the target storage position.