Material Handling Task Prioritization via Intermediate Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current material handling automation systems experience inefficiencies due to idle time and prolonged processing times, particularly in determining task priorities and executing tasks seamlessly within existing control systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an automatic mechanical material handling equipment controlled by a control system that performs first and second access tasks in parallel, with dynamic task prioritization and intermediate task management to optimize workflow, reducing idle time and processing time through integrated logic for task execution and priority reorganization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential task execution is used in material handling automation systems, then task execution accuracy is improved, but idle time and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary evaluation of data to determine intermediate tasks before the mechanical equipment executes the first access task. This advance planning allows the system to prepare task priorities and sequences in advance, reducing idle time while maintaining execution accuracy through pre-calculated task arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system eliminates idle time by continuously evaluating data, determining intermediate tasks, and executing access tasks in a seamless workflow. The control system maintains continuous operation by immediately transitioning between task evaluation, determination, and execution phases without unnecessary pauses or waiting periods.
2Productivity
If parallel task execution is implemented, then productivity is improved, but task priority management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments task management into distinct phases: evaluating data to determine intermediate tasks, assigning execution priorities, and executing access tasks. This segmentation allows parallel execution of multiple access tasks while maintaining clear priority management through structured, modular control steps that can be independently processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts task priorities based on real-time evaluation of data and determination of intermediate tasks. The execution priority assignment is flexible and adaptive, allowing the control system to optimize task sequences dynamically while managing parallel execution, rather than relying on fixed static priority rules.
3Loss of time
If intermediate task determination is performed in advance, then processing time is reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary evaluation of data and determination of intermediate tasks before access task execution begins. This advance determination reduces processing time during actual task execution, as the system has already identified necessary intermediate steps and assigned priorities in advance, rather than calculating them in real-time during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically evaluates data, determines intermediate tasks, and assigns execution priorities without requiring external intervention or complex manual coordination. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the entire task planning and execution process, which simplifies external control requirements despite the internal complexity of automated decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a material handling method of performing by means of an automatic mechanical material handling equipment (105) controlled by a control system (113) at least a first and a second access task for accessing respectively at least a first and at least a second article stored in a material handling storage system (101), the first and second access tasks having been assigned a first and a second execution priority respectively. The method comprises a) controlling the automatic mechanical material handling equipment (105) to perform the first access task having the highest priority; and in parallel to performing the first access task a1) evaluating data indicative of the material handling storage system for determining that a first intermediate task is to be performed, wherein the first intermediate task is required in order to perform by the automatic mechanical material handling equipment (105) the second access task; and a2) assigning an execution priority to the first intermediate task higher than the second execution priority; b.) controlling the automatic mechanical material handling equipment (105) to perform at least the first intermediate task and the second access task according to the order of execution priorities.