Automated Warehouse Drug Pack Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated warehouse systems for storing drug packs using a chaotic storage principle do not optimize space utilization and fail to consider various properties of packs when selecting storage locations, leading to inefficiencies in storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A method where identified and measured drug packs are transported to an intermediate store, and only then are optimal storage locations determined for the group of packs, allowing for better space optimization and rearrangement of storage locations based on their dimensions and properties, enabling more efficient use of available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage locations are assigned immediately after identification and measurement, then the storage process is fast and simple, but space utilization is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transporting packs to an intermediate store first, where their dimensions and properties are fully known, before determining optimal storage locations. This allows the system to pre-plan storage assignments based on complete information about multiple packs, optimizing space utilization while maintaining efficient retrieval through the intermediate buffer store.
2Device complexity
If individual packs are stored immediately in first-available locations, then the storage process is simple, but similar packs are not grouped together
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary grouping of similar packs during the storage location determination phase, after all packs have been measured and transported to the intermediate store. This allows the control device to assign packs with identical or similar properties to adjacent storage locations, improving retrieval efficiency without significantly increasing process complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If storage locations are determined after transporting to intermediate store, then space optimization is improved, but storage time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate store serves as a self-service buffer that temporarily holds packs while their optimal storage locations are being determined. This allows the system to optimize space utilization without creating bottlenecks, as packs can be independently assigned to storage locations based on their properties and the current state of the warehouse, minimizing overall storage time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves detecting identification information and measuring information of pharmaceutical packages by a controlling device. A group of packages is transported to a temporary storage in an automated warehouse by a transport device, such that the control device has acknowledgement of storage position of each package in the temporary storage. An optimal storage location for the packages on a storage surface of the warehouse is determined by using the measuring information, and the packages are removed from the temporary storage and stored in the determined location.