Connected Tote Structure for High-Density Robotic Shelving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shelving units in warehousing systems have low storage density due to the need for reserved space when totes are stored deep, as robots must reach into storage locations to pick or place totes, making space utilization inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The totes are designed with detachable connecting members that allow multiple totes to be hooked together, enabling simultaneous movement when picked or placed, reducing the need for robots to reach deep into storage locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If totes are stored deep on the shelving unit, then storage capacity is improved, but space needs to be reserved for robot access, resulting in low storage density
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple totes are merged into a connected chain through the connecting members (groove portions and hooking portions), allowing them to be moved as a single unit. This eliminates the need for reserved space between individual totes, thereby improving storage density while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members enable dynamic reconfiguration of totes - they can be connected in chains for efficient storage and disconnected when individual access is needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize space utilization while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If space is reserved in the storage location for robot operations, then ease of operation is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple totes into a connected chain, the system reduces the number of individual access operations needed. The robot can access the chain as a unit or disconnect and access individual totes, eliminating the need for permanent reserved space while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain of connected totes can be segmented into individual totes when needed, allowing the robot to access specific totes without moving the entire storage location's reserved space. This segmentation capability maintains ease of operation while improving storage density.
Data Source
AI summary
A tote includes a tote body, a first connecting member arranged at a bottom of a side wall of the tote body and a second connecting member arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the tote body. The second connecting member has a hooking portion and the first connecting member and the side wall of the tote body enclose a groove portion.