Intermediate Storage Layout for Parallel Order Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional order-picking systems are time-consuming due to the need to transfer objects directly from source containers to destination containers following a 'first in, first out' principle, leading to inefficiencies and waiting times.
Innovation Solution
An order-picking arrangement that includes a first picking robot for transferring objects to an intermediate storage and a second picking robot for transferring objects from the intermediate storage to destination containers, allowing for flexible sequencing and reducing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If objects are transferred directly from source containers to destination containers following 'first in, first out' principle, then the process is simple and straightforward, but the system becomes time-consuming with inefficiencies and waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate storage device is introduced between the first picking robot and the second picking robot. This intermediary storage allows objects to be temporarily held while enabling the picking robots to operate independently and in parallel, eliminating waiting times and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The order-picking process is divided into two independent stages: a first picking robot transfers objects from source containers to intermediate storage, while a second picking robot simultaneously transfers objects from intermediate storage to destination containers. This segmentation allows both robots to work in parallel, reducing total processing time.
2Productivity
If a single robot performs both transfer operations, then the device complexity is low, but the processing time increases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The picking system is segmented into two separate picking robots with specialized functions: the first picking robot handles source container to intermediate storage transfers, while the second picking robot handles intermediate storage to destination container transfers. This segmentation enables parallel processing and increases productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate storage acts as a mediator that enables coordination between two picking robots. It allows the first robot to load objects while the second robot simultaneously loads them into destination containers, eliminating sequential constraints and increasing throughput.
3Ease of operation
If the first picking robot places objects directly into destination containers, then the transfer process is direct and simple, but the second picking robot has no function and idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate storage serves as a buffer that enables both picking robots to operate continuously without idle time. The first robot loads objects into the intermediate storage while the second robot simultaneously loads them into destination containers, ensuring both robots are always productive.
Solution Approach 2:
The first picking robot performs preliminary action by loading objects into the intermediate storage before the second picking robot needs them. This preliminary loading enables the second robot to immediately begin loading into destination containers without waiting, eliminating idle time.
Data Source
AI summary
Order-picking arrangement, comprising at least one first picking robot for transferring an object to be picked from at least one source container to an intermediate storage, the intermediate storage for temporarily depositing an object to be picked, and at least one second picking robot for transferring an object to be picked from the intermediate storage to at least one destination container which can receive at least one object to be picked.