Vertical Luggage Container Sequencing for Flexible Airport Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luggage handling systems are labor-intensive, prone to errors, require substantial space and capital investment, and lack flexibility in handling changes or sorting individual bags, especially in multi-destination trips.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing automatic guided vehicles and containers with vertically stacked shelves, controlled by a system that sorts and sequences luggage based on grouping criteria, allowing efficient storage and movement of luggage items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling methods are used to store luggage items, then labor intensity is high and error-prone, but the system is simple to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic identification and routing of luggage items. Each luggage item is automatically scanned, its destination is determined, and it is routed to the correct container without manual intervention, eliminating human error and labor intensity while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated control system that uses scanning devices, control units, and automated routing mechanisms. The control system processes luggage information and directs items to appropriate containers, replacing human decision-making and physical handling with automated electronic control
2Productivity
If conveyor systems are used to sort and accumulate luggage, then sorting efficiency is improved, but substantial floor space and capital investment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal conveyor-based sorting to vertical stacking arrangement. Luggage items are sorted and placed in vertically stacked containers, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than requiring extensive horizontal floor space. This maintains sorting efficiency while dramatically reducing the area occupied by the storage system
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent containers that can be individually accessed and managed. Each container can hold multiple luggage items, and the segmented structure allows for efficient space utilization while maintaining sorting capability without requiring a continuous conveyor system
3Productivity
If entire groups of luggage are handled together, then group processing is efficient, but flexibility to handle individual luggage changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments luggage into individual items that can be independently processed. Each luggage item is scanned and routed separately to its designated container, allowing individual items to be extracted from or added to groups without requiring re-sorting of entire groups. This maintains group processing efficiency while enabling flexible individual item handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic routing capability where the destination of each luggage item can be changed based on real-time requirements. The control system can dynamically assign luggage to different containers or adjust routing paths, enabling the system to adapt to itinerary changes or flight schedule alterations without requiring complete re-sorting of luggage groups
4Volume of stationary object
If vertically stacked containers are used, then space utilization is optimized, but complexity of the storage structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into standardized container units that can be vertically stacked. Each container is a self-contained module with uniform dimensions and standardized interfaces, making the overall system manageable despite its vertical complexity. The segmented modular design allows for systematic organization and simplified maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The containers are designed as universal units that can serve multiple functions: storage, transport, and individual item access. Each container can be independently moved by automated guided vehicles and can be stacked vertically to maximize space utilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized structures, thereby managing complexity while optimizing space
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system and method for storing and sequencing a plurality of luggage items. The system includes containers with vertically stacked shelves and an automatic guided vehicle releasably attachable to the containers for transporting a container between a first predetermined area and a loading area with a loading assembly to move a luggage item from an entrance conveyor onto one of the shelves of the container. The containers may include wheels for being manually moved. A transport vehicle is provided for moving a plurality of containers together. The method includes determining a grouping criterion of the luggage item and sorting and sequencing luggage items onto containers according to the grouping criterion. Different embodiments of the loading assembly are provided with one using a packing automated vehicle and another using stacked platform conveyors. Several grouping criteria are provided which may depend on processing requirements of the luggage items.