Inbound Conveyor Path Planning Through Multi-Level Rack Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex path planning for conveyors in warehousing systems leads to congestion and reduces inbound and outbound efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling conveyor paths by determining target temporary storage locations and paths based on high and low profile passages and alleys between racks, optimizing the travel routes to improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyor uses traditional path planning through alleys between racks, then the path is simple to implement, but congestion occurs and inbound/outbound efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by defining high-profile passages (for elevated conveyor positions) and low-profile passages (for lowered conveyor positions) under racks, in addition to traditional alleys. This multi-level spatial structure allows conveyors to bypass congestion by switching between different vertical levels, thereby improving inbound and outbound efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conveyor path into multiple types: alleys between racks, high-profile passages under racks, and low-profile passages under racks. This segmentation allows different path types to be used for different operational needs, reducing congestion by distributing traffic across multiple segmented routes
2Productivity
If the conveyor travels through complex multi-level passages, then congestion is reduced, but travel time may increase due to additional vertical movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines and plans the optimal inbound path before the conveyor begins movement, calculating the sequence of alleys, high-profile passages, and low-profile passages in advance. This preliminary path planning ensures that vertical movements and level changes are optimized beforehand, minimizing unnecessary travel time while reducing congestion
3Productivity
If temporary storage locations are positioned in hard-to-reach areas, then storage capacity is optimized, but conveyor access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions temporary storage locations at multiple vertical levels: some in traditional alley positions, others in high-profile passages (elevated positions under racks), and others in low-profile passages (lowered positions). This multi-level distribution optimizes storage capacity by utilizing vertical space while the control system balances access time by routing conveyors through appropriate levels based on destination requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an inbound and outbound control method and apparatus, and an inbound and outbound system, which relates to the technical field of warehousing. The inbound control method comprises: determining a first target temporary storage location under a target rack based on a first target storage location of first goods on the target rack; determining an inbound path for a conveyor based on the first target temporary storage location and a current location of the conveyor; controlling the conveyor to convey the first goods to the first target temporary storage location along the inbound path; and controlling a storage and retrieval device to transport the first goods from the first target temporary storage location to the first target storage location.