Dense Storage Shelf Retrieval Through Dynamic Robot Path Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely packed mini-warehouses, the restricted traveling passage for self-driven robots hinders their ability to move storage containers freely, necessitating a solution that enhances storage density and management efficiency while minimizing space and manpower requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for moving articles in dense storage scenarios, where self-driven robots are instructed to remove blocking shelves and storage boxes to create unobstructed paths, allowing them to move target shelves and storage boxes to workstations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage containers are densely placed to save warehouse space, then storage density is improved, but the traveling passage for self-driven robots is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage area into multiple zones with different density levels and robot access rights. High-density zones are arranged in specific patterns that allow robot passages, while maintaining overall high storage density. The storage containers are divided into groups that can be accessed through coordinated multi-robot operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional floor-based navigation to three-dimensional operations by enabling robots to move storage containers vertically and horizontally. Multiple robots operate in coordinated layers, with some robots accessing containers from above while others work from ground level, effectively utilizing vertical space to resolve passage constraints.
2Area of stationary object
If storage containers are densely placed to save warehouse space, then warehouse space is saved, but the self-driven robot cannot move freely to the location where the storage container is located
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic passage creation where robots temporarily move storage containers out of the way to create access paths, then return them to their original positions after completing operations. The storage layout and robot routes are dynamically adjusted based on real-time container locations and retrieval priorities, allowing flexible access in high-density configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate storage locations and transfer stations where storage containers can be temporarily placed during retrieval operations. When a container blocks access to another container, it can be moved to an intermediate location, allowing the target container to be accessed, then the intermediate container is returned to its original position afterward.
3Ease of operation
If traditional large warehouse layout is used with ample robot passages, then robot mobility is improved, but storage density decreases and space cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple robot operations into coordinated sequences where robots work together to access containers in high-density arrangements. Multiple robots simultaneously manipulate multiple containers, with one robot creating passages while another retrieves containers, effectively combining passage creation and container retrieval operations to maintain both high density and operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and device for moving an article based on dense storage, a storage medium, and a dense storage system. The method includes: upon detecting that a target shelf is blocked by at least one blocking shelf, instructing a first self-driven robot to remove the blocking shelf and/or a blocking storage box to make the target shelf no blocked by the blocking shelf or make a target storage box on the target self not blocked by the blocking storage box; instructing the first self-driven robot to carry the blocking shelf and/or the blocking storage box and perform a circular movement along a robot travelling passage; and instructing a second self-driven robot to move the target shelf from its current position to a workstation, or instructing the second self-driven robot to remove the target storage box from the target shelf and move the target storage box to the workstation.