Item Sorting System With Segmented Mobile Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current item sorting systems face inefficiencies due to high costs and limited flexibility in steel platform-based systems, and congestion issues in sawtooth type sorting structures, particularly when multiple robots are involved.
Innovation Solution
An item sorting system comprising a control server, a first robot for sorting, and a second robot for transporting, with multiple sub-compartments in item-collecting containers, where the control server determines target sub-compartments based on item destination and attributes, and sends instructions for sorting and transport, allowing for flexible compartment allocation and reduced congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a steel platform type sorting structure is adopted, then the item sorting system has a fixed structure, but the system cost is high and flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into independent mobile sorting units that can be separately controlled and positioned. Each sorting unit includes a sorting robot, item supply table, and compartments, allowing flexible reconfiguration without requiring a fixed steel platform structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting units are designed to be mobile rather than fixed, enabling dynamic repositioning and reconfiguration of the sorting system. This allows the system to adapt to different sorting requirements and space configurations while maintaining operational stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a steel platform type sorting structure is adopted, then the structure is stable, but the item sorting efficiency is low due to limited auxiliary equipments
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile sorting units are designed with multi-functional capabilities, where each unit can independently perform item receiving, sorting, and compartmentalization tasks. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized auxiliary equipments while maintaining high sorting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting units are self-sufficient, with each unit containing its own robot, item supply table, and compartments. This self-service design allows parallel operation of multiple units, significantly improving overall item sorting efficiency without requiring centralized auxiliary equipment.
3Productivity
If a floor sawtooth type sorting structure with multiple robots is adopted, then the sorting capacity is increased, but congestion occurs in the sawtooth area
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is segmented into multiple independent mobile sorting units that operate in parallel. Each unit has its own dedicated robot and compartments, eliminating the congestion that occurs when multiple robots share a common sawtooth area. The segmented design allows each robot to operate independently without interference.
4Area of stationary object
If a floor sawtooth type sorting structure is adopted, then the sorting area is expanded, but congestion is easily caused when robot density is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional floor-based sawtooth layout to a three-dimensional configuration using vertical compartments and stacked mobile sorting units. This dimensional change expands the sorting capacity without increasing ground space occupancy, thereby avoiding congestion while maintaining high item sorting efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An item sorting system includes a control server, a first robot, and a second robot, which respectively communicate with the control server and run in a storage area of the item sorting system. The storage area is deployed with at least one item-collecting container, each including at least two sub-compartments. The control server determines a target sub-compartment of the item-collecting container, and sends a sorting instruction to the first robot. The control server sends a transport instruction to the second robot when the target sub-compartment is a first sub-compartment of a first item-collecting container and items accommodated in the first sub-compartment reach a first preset threshold. The first robot delivers an item to the first sub-compartment in response to the sorting instruction. The second robot travels to a position of the first item-collecting container and transports the first item-collecting container to a packaging station in response to the transport instruction.