Dense Container Storage Retrieval With Robot Buffer Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics warehouses face low storage density and capacity, leading to high logistics costs due to the use of attic multi-layer container storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A container transporting method based on dense storage is implemented, utilizing at least four columns of high racks with a cache mechanism in robots to manage blocking containers, ensuring efficient pickup and return logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are stored in a conventional less-dense arrangement, then containers can be easily accessed and removed, but storage space utilization is reduced and travel distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple bays, with each bay containing a stack of containers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain dense storage while enabling efficient retrieval by organizing containers into manageable sections that can be accessed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal storage arrangement to vertical stacking within bays. Containers are arranged in vertical stacks rather than horizontal rows, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase storage density while maintaining access efficiency through targeted retrieval operations.
2Volume of moving object
If containers are stored in a dense arrangement within bays, then storage space utilization increases, but travel distance for retrieval operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the storage container into multiple bays, the system reduces the average travel distance within each bay. The robotic system can target specific bays and stacks, rather than searching through the entire storage area, thereby reducing overall travel distance while maintaining dense storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary that directly accesses specific containers within stacks using vertical and horizontal movement capabilities. This eliminates the need for manual retrieval and reduces travel distance by implementing optimized pickup and deposit sequences.
3Volume of moving object
If containers are stacked densely in vertical stacks, then storage density increases, but container stability during transport may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Stretch wrap is applied to vertically wrap around containers in a stack, creating a flexible containment structure. This stretch wrap holds containers securely in place during transport while allowing for efficient vertical stacking and dense storage arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite containment structures combining the rigid container bodies with flexible stretch wrap material. This combination provides both the structural integrity of the containers and the flexible securing capability of the wrap, enabling stable dense stacking.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container handling method employing dense storage. At least one storage shelf (205) consisting of at least four columns of high shelves is comprised. The method comprises: when at least one blocking container blocking removal of a target container is stored on the storage shelf (205), a container fetching mechanism (2021) of a robot (202) respectively fetching the at least one blocking container from the storage shelf (205), and temporarily storing same on a buffer mechanism (2024) of the robot (202); and the container fetching mechanism (2021) of the robot (202) fetching the target container from the storage shelf (205), storing same on the buffer mechanism (2024) of the robot (202), sequentially fetching the at least one blocking container from the buffer mechanism (2024) of the robot, and sequentially placing same at an original storage position thereof, an original storage position of the target container, or other vacant storage positions on the storage shelf (205); alternatively, when the buffer mechanism (2024) of the robot (202) is full due to the at least one blocking container, the container fetching mechanism (2021) of the robot (202) fetching the target container from the storage shelf (205), and keeping same on the container fetching mechanism (2021) of the robot (202).