Mixed-Size Sorting Robots on Shared Grids Without Manual Handling
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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 sorting operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for the operation of automated transport vehicles of varying 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 different 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 navigation and collision avoidance are simplified through fiducial markers and grid cells, but large articles that do not fit on standard vehicles require manual handling, increasing labor costs and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the transport vehicles by introducing multiple vehicle sizes (small, medium, large) that can be selected based on article dimensions. This allows the system to automatically transport articles of any size without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects appropriate vehicle sizes based on real-time article size requirements. The routing engine adapts route planning to accommodate different vehicle sizes, enabling the system to respond flexibly to varying article dimensions while maintaining full automation and high productivity
2Productivity
If multiple vehicle sizes are allowed on the same grid platform, then articles of all sizes can be automatically transported, but route planning becomes more complex as vehicles of different sizes must navigate shared space without collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grid platform into hierarchical zones: primary grid cells for small vehicles and larger composite regions for medium and large vehicles. The routing engine plans routes at different levels of abstraction, reducing complexity by breaking down the overall routing problem into manageable segments for each vehicle size category
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to route planning by implementing time-based slot allocation for vehicles of different sizes. Routes are planned not only in spatial dimensions but also in time, allowing multiple vehicle sizes to share the same physical space at different times without collision, thus managing complexity through multi-dimensional coordination
3Ease of operation
If grid cells are sized for standard vehicles, then navigation is simplified with uniform fiducial markers, but large articles require larger vehicles that cannot fit within single grid cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal grid cell design that serves multiple functions: it acts as a navigation unit for small vehicles using fiducial markers, and simultaneously serves as a modular component that can be combined into larger regions for medium and large vehicles. This universal design maintains navigation simplicity while providing size adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a nested structure where multiple grid cells are grouped into larger regions that accommodate bigger vehicles. Small vehicles navigate individual grid cells with fiducial markers, while larger vehicles navigate composed regions made of multiple grid cells. This nesting allows the same grid cell infrastructure to support vehicles of all sizes without sacrificing navigation simplicity
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.