Mobile Automated Container Handling Device for Warehouse Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated inventory management systems in retail are prone to human error, limited by physical capabilities, and require significant investment for implementation, especially in existing warehouses, and do not allow for reduced human interaction to prevent contamination.

Innovation Solution

A mobile automated container handling device with a main body, container handling arrangement, and secondary support that can engage and move storage containers, allowing for increased operational capacity and reduced reliance on human workers, designed for use in existing storage locations without the need for extensive modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated robot systems are installed in existing warehouses to pick and sort items, then human interaction with goods is reduced and operational capacity increases, but the robots become bulky requiring significant space and extensive warehouse modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of inventory handlingVSAvoidspace required in warehouse

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the warehouse into multiple workstations, each handling specific tasks. The mobile handling device is segmented into a main body and a container handling arrangement that can be independently positioned and operated at different locations, allowing distributed automation without requiring one large bulky robot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A container is introduced as an intermediary carrier between storage locations and sorting destinations. The mobile automated container handling device moves containers rather than individual items, reducing the complexity and space requirements of the handling mechanism while maintaining automation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional automated inventory systems are implemented, then inventory tracking is improved, but human error persists and human physical capability limitations remain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory tracking accuracyVSAvoidaccuracy of inventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the mobile handling device independently performs container movement, positioning, and sorting operations without human intervention. The container handling arrangement with engagement means automatically grasps and manipulates containers, eliminating human physical limitations and errors in the handling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Human manual handling operations are replaced with an automated container handling arrangement that uses engagement means (such as grippers or clamps) to mechanically grasp and move containers. This substitution eliminates human error and physical limitations while maintaining precise control over inventory movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If mobile automated container handling device is used, then operational capacity increases and space requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capacityVSAvoidcomplexity of handling device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile automated container handling device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple operations: moving containers between locations, positioning containers for sorting, and interfacing with different workstation types. The container handling arrangement with configurable engagement means can handle various container types and configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement means is designed to be dynamically configurable, able to adjust its configuration based on the specific container being handled. This dynamic adaptability allows a single device structure to handle varied container types and operations, managing complexity through flexibility rather than through multiple fixed-configuration components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250100798A1A mobile automated container handling device and method

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 SHOALTER AUTOMATION LTD

AI summary

A mobile automated container handling device and a method for handling a stack of a plurality of storage containers are disclosed. The device comprises a main body defining a cavity for locating a vertical stack of a plurality of storage containers therein, the main body comprises a primary support for supporting a stack of a plurality of storage containers thereon inside the cavity; a container handling arrangement is positioned in the cavity and comprises a drive unit and engagement means, the drive unit being configured to move the engagement means within the cavity and the engagement means being configurable to engage at least one storage container of a stack of a plurality of storage containers; a secondary support configurable between an active and a passive configuration and a drive arrangement for moving the main body relative to a support surface on which the mobile automated container handling device is located