Crane Control System for Automated Warehouse Stock Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring and managing goods in warehouses using cranes are inefficient due to manual location identification, leading to significant time spent finding goods and a high risk of errors in stock accounting and transfer processes.
Innovation Solution
Attaching an identifier, such as a bar code, to goods and using a crane control system to store and retrieve their location coordinates, allowing for automated navigation and retrieval of goods without separate stock accounting connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual location identification methods are used for goods in the warehouse, then the system structure remains simple, but the time spent locating goods increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system attaches identifier tags to goods before they are stored in the warehouse and pre-registers their location information in the control system. When goods need to be retrieved, the system already has their location data ready, eliminating the time-consuming manual search process.
Solution Approach 2:
The goods themselves carry identifier tags that automatically provide location information when scanned by the reader. The system uses the goods' own embedded information to locate them, rather than requiring external manual searching or complex query systems.
2Reliability
If manual stock accounting methods are used, then the system complexity remains low, but the error rate in stock recording and goods transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously tracks goods movement by reading identifier tags during transfer operations and automatically updates the database with location information. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures accurate stock accounting without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical processes of writing down stock information with automated electronic identification and data processing. The reader and control system automatically capture and store goods information, eliminating human error in recording.
3Productivity
If separate work phases for goods handling and stock accounting are maintained, then the system structure remains simple, but the overall productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines goods handling operations with stock accounting functions into a single integrated process. The same identifier reading mechanism serves both to track goods movement and update inventory records simultaneously, eliminating redundant operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: it manages crane operations for goods transfer, tracks location information, maintains stock accounting records, and provides retrieval guidance. This multi-functional system improves productivity without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for crane control and stock management, the method includes attaching to the goods to be stored an identifier associated with a code, such as number or name, given to the goods in stock accounting or the like; reading the identifier with a reader, when the goods are being transferred by a crane; transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; transferring the goods with the crane to a selected location in the warehouse; and storing the coordinates of the goods to the memory of the crane control so that they are associated with the identifier; and when the goods are removed from the warehouse, reading with the reader from a work order or the like the identifier information associated with the goods; and transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; and activating the crane control with the identifier information, whereby the crane moves to the location of the earlier stored goods.