Mixed-Size Sorting Robots on Shared Grids Without Manual Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated sorting systems face inefficiencies and increased labor costs due to the need for manual handling of large articles that cannot fit on standard-sized automated transport vehicles, leading to delays and inefficiencies in fully automated sorting operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for the operation of automated transport vehicles of assorted sizes on the same grid platform, using a server and routing engine to plan routes and avoid collisions, enabling larger vehicles to occupy multiple grid cells and ensuring efficient sorting of articles of varying sizes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standard-sized automated transport vehicles are used on a grid platform, then the system achieves automated sorting with standardized navigation, but large articles that do not fit on standard vehicles require manual handling, introducing labor costs and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of vehicle size by deploying multiple automated transport vehicles of different sizes (small, medium, large) on the same grid platform. This allows articles of various sizes to be transported by appropriately-sized vehicles, eliminating the need for manual handling of large articles and maintaining full automation while improving sorting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The routing engine dynamically adjusts navigation parameters based on vehicle size. Each vehicle type has customized navigation rules (e.g., small vehicles can use single grid cells, large vehicles occupy multiple grid cells), allowing the system to adapt its operation dynamically to handle different article sizes efficiently
2Productivity
If multiple sizes of automated transport vehicles operate on the same grid platform, then all article sizes can be handled automatically, but route planning complexity increases due to different vehicle dimensions and navigation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing size-specific navigation rules for different vehicle types. Small vehicles follow rules for single-cell navigation, medium vehicles follow rules for two-cell navigation, and large vehicles follow rules for multi-cell navigation. This localized approach simplifies route planning compared to a universal complex algorithm, as each vehicle type has its own optimized navigation protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The routing engine segments the navigation problem by vehicle size category. Rather than treating all vehicles uniformly, it divides them into size-based groups (small, medium, large) and applies appropriate routing algorithms to each segment, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger vehicles are deployed to handle big articles, then automated handling of all article sizes is achieved, but the vehicles occupy more space on the grid platform, reducing available navigation area
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by deploying a fleet of automated transport vehicles with different size capabilities on the same grid platform. Small vehicles handle small articles in standard grid cells, medium vehicles handle medium articles spanning two cells, and large vehicles handle large articles spanning multiple cells. This multi-functional approach maximizes the utilization of available grid space by matching vehicle size to article size and grid cell availability
Data Source
AI summary
System for use in directing an article sorting operation includes a routing engine, first and second vehicles, and a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells, each grid cell having a grid cell length X. First size vehicle has a first vehicle length greater than the grid cell length X and second size vehicle has a second vehicle length greater than the first vehicle length. The system is configured to: receive article information of first and second articles; assign the first article to be transported by the first size vehicle, and the second article to be transported by the second size vehicle; determine a first route for the first size vehicle such that the first route has a first width equaling A*X, and a second route for the second size vehicle such that the second route has a second width equaling B*X.