Conveyor Port Layout for Parallel Bin Handling in Storage Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in processing storage containers due to the need for robotic swing arms to handle bins one or two at a time, leading to downtime and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a conveyor belt system within the port of an automated storage and retrieval system that allows multiple bins to be processed simultaneously, enabling continuous movement and reducing downtime by facilitating efficient picking, restocking, and cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robotic swing arm is used to move bins from the grid to the picking area, then bins can be transported between storage and processing areas, but only one or two bins can be processed at a time leading to system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The port is divided into multiple workstations (first workstation, second workstation, third workstation) that can simultaneously process different bins. The conveyor belt system segments the bin flow into parallel processing streams, allowing multiple bins to be picked, packed, or cleaned at the same time rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system enables continuous movement of bins through the port, eliminating idle time between bin processing cycles. While one bin is being processed at a workstation, the conveyor simultaneously transports the next bin into position, ensuring uninterrupted workflow and maximizing system utilization.
2Productivity
If a robotic swing arm handles bins sequentially, then system complexity remains relatively low, but processing efficiency and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions: transporting bins between the grid and workstations, positioning bins at different workstations simultaneously, and enabling parallel processing operations. This multi-functional component increases throughput without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary mechanism between the grid and the workstations, mediating the flow of bins and enabling coordinated simultaneous operations at multiple workstations. This intermediary system manages the complexity of parallel processing by providing a centralized control mechanism for bin distribution and timing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a port (520) for an automated storage and retrieval system (500), the automated storage and retrieval system (500) comprising a storage grid (100) configured to store one or more storage containers therein, the port (520) comprising: a first conveyor belt system (506) configured to carry at least one of the one or more storage containers from a first position (504) of the storage grid (100) towards a second position (508) of the storage grid (100); wherein the port (520) is configured to: receive, at the first position (504), a storage container from the storage grid (100) onto the first conveyor belt system (506); and return, at the second position (508), from the first conveyor belt system (506), the storage container to the storage grid (100).