Induction Station Vertical Conveyor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction stations require pickers to make inefficient 180-degree turns to place items into different types of order containers, leading to reduced ergonomics and increased induction time.
Innovation Solution
The induction station design aligns the takeaway lanes of different transporting means in the same vertical plane, allowing for a common induction position where both types of transport units can be accessed without turning, enhancing ergonomics and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the roller conveyor and overhead conveyor are arranged at two different sides of the picking station, then both types of order containers can be conveyed, but the picker needs to turn around 180 degrees to place articles into the respective other one of the two types of order containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of conveyors to a vertical arrangement where the roller conveyor and overhead conveyor are positioned at different heights (levels). This dimensional change allows both conveyors to operate in the same planar area without requiring the picker to turn around, as both order container types are now accessible from the front. The vertical stacking resolves the spatial conflict while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the picker needs to turn around 180 degrees to access different order containers, then both container types can be served, but the induction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the conveyors vertically at different heights rather than horizontally at opposite sides, the system enables the picker to access both order container types without turning around. This vertical dimensionality change eliminates the 180-degree turn requirement, allowing continuous forward-facing operation and significantly reducing induction time while maintaining the ability to serve multiple container types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the takeaway lanes are arranged in different vertical planes, then different transport units can be conveyed, but the footprint of the induction station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to arrange the roller conveyor and overhead conveyor at different heights, allowing both conveyors to operate within the same horizontal footprint. This vertical dimensionality change enables the induction station to handle different transport unit types without requiring additional horizontal space, thereby maintaining a compact footprint while preserving transport versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
In order to improve an induction station (1) it is suggested, that a first takeaway lane (32) of a first transporting means (30), which is used to transport first transport units (U1) away from a supply position (P0) of the induction station (1), and a second takeaway lane (42) of a second transporting means (40), which is used to transport second transport units (U2) away from an induction position (P1) of the induction station (1), are aligned in a same vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane is oriented in parallel to a gravity vector. It is further suggested, that an induction position (P1) for first transport units (U1) and an induction position (P1) for second transport units (U2) form a common induction position (P1'), allowing induction into the first transport units (U1) and into the second transport units (U2).