Grid Transport Control for Dense Container Stack Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems for multiple product lines have low storage density due to the need for aisle space, making them inefficient for large-scale operations like online retail businesses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a facility with grid-like pathways above stacks of containers, where transporting devices operate on the grid, and a control unit that determines tasks for the devices based on factors like battery condition, damage, maintenance, and service issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aisles are provided to access products on shelves, then product accessibility is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional shelf arrangements requiring horizontal aisles to three-dimensional vertical stacking with containers accessible from above. Containers are stacked vertically in columns, eliminating the need for horizontal aisle space while maintaining accessibility through top-level access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The aisle space, which was previously necessary for accessing products on shelves, is completely removed from the system. Instead of providing horizontal pathways between shelves, the system uses vertical stacking with access points only at the top, extracting the aisle function entirely from the storage structure.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are deep-stacked with random positions, then storage density is improved, but retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes containers within stacks by maintaining insertion order, creating a predictable structure where containers can be retrieved systematically. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for complex searching through random positions, as the retrieval sequence follows the established insertion pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors and records the positions and orders of containers within stacks, using this feedback information to manage retrieval operations efficiently. The system tracks which containers have been removed and maintains accurate records of remaining container positions, enabling simplified retrieval without complex real-time calculations.
3Productivity
If multiple transporting devices operate on the grid, then operational efficiency is improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transporting devices operate on the grid structure using the same pathways and access points, with the control system managing task allocation universally across all devices. The grid serves as a shared resource for all transporting devices, eliminating the need for device-specific coordination mechanisms while maintaining efficient multi-device operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.