Delivery Access Point Layout for Multi-Path Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face congestion issues around delivery columns, inefficiencies due to separate drop-off and pick-up ports, and limited space utilization, leading to increased congestion and reduced delivery capacity.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with a delivery rail system allowing multiple paths to and from an access point, utilizing remotely operated delivery vehicles that minimize space usage within the storage grid, and include a container accessing station for easy human or robotic handling of storage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single delivery column with separate drop-off and pick-up ports is used, then the system structure is simple, but congestion occurs around the delivery column and delivery capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery column is divided into multiple segments with multiple access points distributed around the storage grid. Instead of having a single centralized delivery column, the system creates several smaller delivery columns or access points at different locations, allowing delivery vehicles to access multiple points simultaneously and reducing congestion at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point delivery model to a multi-point distributed model by adding spatial dimensions. Access points are positioned at different locations around the storage grid, creating a two-dimensional distribution pattern that allows parallel access and reduces congestion by spreading delivery operations across multiple spatial locations.
2Productivity
If delivery vehicles follow fixed routes to and from the delivery column, then the control system is simple, but inefficiencies occur due to separate drop-off and pick-up ports requiring multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery vehicle routing system transitions from static fixed routes to dynamic adaptive routing. Vehicles can dynamically select their path and destination access point based on real-time conditions, cargo type (drop-off or pick-up), and system optimization goals. The control system dynamically assigns vehicles to different access points and routes, allowing flexible optimization of delivery paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Delivery vehicles are designed with multi-functionality to handle both drop-off and pick-up operations at different access points. Rather than having dedicated vehicles for specific functions, the system uses universal vehicles that can perform multiple operations at multiple locations, increasing flexibility and reducing the need for separate specialized vehicles or multiple trips.
3Productivity
If more delivery columns are added to reduce congestion, then delivery capacity increases, but space utilization within the storage grid decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more delivery columns vertically (consuming storage space), the system distributes access points horizontally around the periphery of the storage grid. This utilizes the outer boundary space of the storage structure, converting unused peripheral space into functional access points without reducing the internal storage volume available for containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery infrastructure is segmented into multiple distributed access points rather than expanding the size of individual delivery columns. This segmentation allows the system to increase delivery capacity by adding access points at the boundaries without encroaching on the central storage area, maintaining high space utilization while improving delivery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid for storage of storage containers and a delivery system for transport of said storage containers between a delivery port of the storage grid and an access point of the delivery system. The access point is adapted for handling of items held in the storage containers by a robotic operator or human operator. The delivery system includes a delivery rail system including at least a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a first direction (X), and at least a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of rails together defining a delivery grid of delivery grid cells, the access point, and a remotely operated delivery vehicle comprising a motorized vehicle body and a container carrier provided above the motorized vehicle body for carrying a storage container of the storage containers. The delivery vehicle is moveable on the delivery grid of the delivery rail system. The delivery grid provides one or more delivery grid cells for the remotely operated delivery vehicle at the access point as well as a plurality of delivery grid cells adjacent the one or more delivery grid cells of the access point, such that there is more than one path to and/or from the access point for the remotely operated delivery vehicle via the plurality of delivery grid cells. The remotely operated delivery vehicle is arranged to transport the storage container from the delivery port of the storage grid across the delivery grid to the access point and return the storage container to the delivery port for storage within the storage grid. The access point is provided in a container accessing station, said station being arranged for separating the robotic or human operator from the delivery rail system and the remotely operated delivery vehicle. The container accessing station comprises a cabinet comprising walls and a top cover supported thereon, wherein the items held in the storage container carried by a remotely operated delivery vehicle at the access point is reachable through an opening in the top cover.