Dense Container Storage With Robot Buffering for Blocked Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics warehouses face low storage density and capacity issues due to attic multi-layer container storage solutions, leading to high logistics costs as urban spaces become more expensive and limited.
Innovation Solution
A container transporting method based on dense storage, where robots pick up and temporarily store blocking containers, allowing for efficient rearrangement and transportation of target containers to optimize storage space, utilizing cache mechanisms and multiple robot logistics to enhance storage density and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If attic multi-layer container storage solutions are used, then storage space is utilized, but storage density and storage capacity remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dense storage by nesting containers within containers. Specifically, blocking containers are temporarily stored on cache mechanisms of robots, and target containers are placed in storage positions that were previously occupied by blocking containers. This nesting approach allows multiple containers to occupy the same spatial footprint, significantly increasing storage density without requiring additional warehouse space or complex multi-layer structures.
2Ease of operation
If blocking containers are removed and stored on robot cache mechanisms, then target container pickup is enabled, but robot cache space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blocking container management mechanism where blocking containers are temporarily stored on robot cache mechanisms during the pickup process. The cache mechanism serves as an intermediary storage space that enables the robot to retrieve target containers without permanent loss of cache capacity, as blocking containers can be subsequently returned to storage positions after the target container is picked up.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and planning of blocking containers before the actual pickup operation. The robot identifies blocking containers in advance, plans their temporary storage on the cache mechanism, and executes the pickup sequence accordingly. This preliminary action ensures that cache space is utilized efficiently and blocking containers are returned to storage positions after the target container is retrieved.
3Quantity of substance
If dense storage is implemented with multiple containers per storage position, then storage density increases, but container pickup complexity increases due to blocking containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification and planning of blocking containers before the actual pickup operation. The robot identifies blocking containers in advance, plans their temporary storage on the cache mechanism, and executes the pickup sequence accordingly. This preliminary action simplifies the pickup process by pre-resolving blocking issues rather than handling them dynamically during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the storage rack state and updates the robot's understanding of blocking container positions. After each pickup operation, the system feedbacks the new storage configuration, enabling the robot to adapt its pickup strategy for subsequent operations. This feedback mechanism reduces long-term pickup complexity by learning from previous operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A container handling method employing dense storage comprises: when at least one blocking container blocking removal of a target container is stored on storage shelf, container fetching mechanism of a robot fetching at least one blocking container from storage shelf, and temporarily storing same on buffer mechanism of robot; and container fetching mechanism of robot fetching target container from storage shelf, storing same on buffer mechanism of robot, fetching at least one blocking container from buffer mechanism of robot, and placing same at an original storage position thereof, an original storage position of target container, or other vacant storage positions on storage shelf; when buffer mechanism of robot is full due to at least one blocking container, container fetching mechanism of robot fetching target container from storage shelf, and keeping same on container fetching mechanism of robot.