Automated Container Vending for Dense Goods-to-Person Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional warehouse storage systems face inefficiencies in automated picking and packing due to limitations of A-frame automatic dispensers and robot piece picking, which are unsuitable for inconsistently shaped goods and require continuous human intervention.

Innovation Solution

An automated storage and retrieval system with a vending apparatus that automatically dispenses content from storage containers without human intervention, allowing for efficient collation and transport of items to a user-accessible location, accommodating various shapes and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If A-frame automatic dispensers are used for automated picking and packing, then automation level is improved, but adaptability to inconsistently shaped goods deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidadaptability to inconsistently shaped goods

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the picking and packing function into two independent components: (1) automated container transport by robotic vehicles on rails, and (2) goods dispensing by vending machines within containers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - robotic vehicles handle transport while vending machines handle the complex task of dispensing variously shaped goods, resolving the contradiction between automation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vending machines as intermediary devices between the storage containers and the final picking/packing ports. These vending machines act as mediators that automatically dispense goods of any shape or size from standardized containers, eliminating the need for A-frame dispensers while maintaining high automation levels and improving adaptability to inconsistently shaped goods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If robot piece picking is used for automated picking and packing, then automation level is improved, but precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidprecision for handling variety of products

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the transport function (performed by robotic vehicles) from the picking function (performed by vending machines). Robotic vehicles are optimized for reliable container transport along fixed rails, while vending machines are optimized for precise goods dispensing. This segmentation allows each subsystem to excel at its specific task, improving overall reliability compared to using robotic arms for both transport and precise picking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Vending machines within containers automatically dispense goods without human intervention or complex robotic manipulation. The vending machines use their own integrated mechanisms to present and dispense items, making the system self-sufficient for the picking function and eliminating the precision limitations of external robotic arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If continuous aisles are maintained for manual access to shelves, then ease of operation is improved, but storage density deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to stockVSAvoidstorage density

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of broad aisles and manual shelf access with an automated rail system. Robotic vehicles travel along overhead rails to transport containers to ports where vending machines dispense goods. This substitution eliminates the need for wide aisles entirely, allowing shelves to be arranged in a dense three-dimensional grid while maintaining ease of access through automated transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional shelf arrangements with aisles to a three-dimensional grid structure with overhead rail transport. Containers are stacked vertically and horizontally in the grid, while robotic vehicles operate in the vertical dimension above the grid, freeing up horizontal space for maximum storage density while maintaining access through automated ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4703292A1An automated storage and retrieval system

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a frame and a vending apparatus. The frame defines a plurality of storage columns for receiving stacks of storage containers. The vending apparatus is arranged to automatically dispense a portion of content stored in a dispensing storage container in a first stack of storage containers from an opening of the dispensing storage container.