Grid Load Handlers for Mixed-Size Bin Storage Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic object handling systems are limited by the constraint of container height and footprint, which restricts the handling of items that do not fit within standard dimensions, leading to inefficient use of space and increased manual handling complexity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of taller robotic load handlers and larger load handling devices that can occupy multiple grid spaces, allowing for the handling of containers of varying heights and footprints, enabling the integration of both standard and larger items within the same system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard robotic load handlers are used, then the system can handle standard containers efficiently, but it cannot handle taller containers or items with larger footprints
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handler is designed with adjustable dimensions - the height can be modified to accommodate different container heights, and the footprint can be adjusted to handle containers of various sizes. This dynamic adjustability allows a single system design to handle diverse container specifications without requiring multiple specialized handlers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the load handler including height, footprint dimensions, and grid space occupation to enable handling of non-standard containers. By varying these parameters, the system can adapt to different container sizes while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If the system only handles standard containers, then storage density is optimized, but 1-10% of products requiring different handling methods must be handled manually
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handler is designed to perform multiple functions by handling both standard and non-standard containers within the same system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual handling processes for specialty items, as the same robotic system can adapt to handle all container types through parameter adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If taller robotic load handlers are introduced, then taller containers can be handled, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than introducing completely new complex equipment, the patent modifies the existing load handler design to be dynamically adjustable in height. This allows taller containers to be handled while maintaining compatibility with the existing grid structure and control systems, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic object handling system (14) and robotic load handling device (30, 50a) for operation thereon is described. The object handling system comprises a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure (20), the structure comprising sets of parallel tracks (22a, 22b), disposed above a hive of stacked bins (10). The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.