Container Sequencing Grid for Dense Robotic Order Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic storage and picking systems face challenges in efficiently combining disparate containers into coherent groups for customer orders or delivery routes, particularly in enclosed spaces where the height of robotic load handlers restricts stack height and storage density.
Innovation Solution
A sequencing system utilizing a grid pattern of tracks with robotic load handling devices that lift and deposit containers in a predetermined sequence, allowing for efficient grouping and allocation of containers on conveyance means for optimal delivery vehicle loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robotic load handlers are used to access containers in stacks, then container retrieval capability is improved, but the height of the robotic load handlers restricts the maximum stack height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the conveyance system by positioning the conveyance system beneath the grid and enabling vertical movement of containers between the conveyance system and grid level. This allows containers to be transported horizontally on the conveyance system and then vertically lifted to the grid level, bypassing the height restriction imposed by robotic load handlers on stack height.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked in dense arrangements, then storage density is improved, but efficiency in combining disparate containers into coherent groups deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into distinct functional zones: storage stacks for dense container arrangement, a conveyance system for efficient horizontal transport, and a grid level for container consolidation. This segmentation allows containers to be densely stored in stacks while the conveyance system efficiently collects and transports them to the grid level where they can be combined into coherent groups for delivery routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance system acts as an intermediary between the storage stacks and the grid level. It collects containers from multiple stacks, transports them horizontally, and delivers them to the grid level where consolidation occurs. This intermediary function decouples the dense storage arrangement from the container consolidation process, allowing both high storage density and efficient container grouping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robotic load handlers operate on a grid system, then container access flexibility is improved, but system congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parallel conveyance system that operates independently from the robotic load handlers on the grid. The conveyance system provides an alternative pathway for container movement, copying the container transport function but operating on a separate horizontal plane beneath the grid. This reduces congestion on the grid level while maintaining container access flexibility through the robotic load handlers.
Data Source
AI summary
A sequencing system and a robotic storage and picking system include a plurality of containers disposed in stacks beneath a grid having a first set of tracks and second set of tracks, the first and second sets of tracks being disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. Plural load handling devices are operable on the grid, the load handling devices lifting and depositing containers from and to the stacks. The load handling devices can deposit containers on to conveyor belts into predetermined positions, the positions being fillable in any random order and multiple positions being fillable at any one time.