Mobile Label Modification Unit for Retail Support Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual label modification in retail and warehouse environments is time-consuming and error-prone due to the complexity and fluidity of inventory management, requiring frequent updates of product information on labels.

Innovation Solution

A mobile automation system equipped with a locomotive assembly, effector assembly, and a label modification unit, including an image sensor and controller, that navigates to support structures, detects reference features, and updates low-powered displays with new content and power, enabling autonomous and efficient label modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual label modification is performed, then flexibility in updating product information is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in updating product informationVSAvoidtime consumption for label updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the mobile apparatus autonomously navigates to support structures, detects labels through image sensors, and applies modifications without human intervention. The apparatus independently performs navigation, label detection, and modification application, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining adaptability to various label positions and formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical label modification with an automated system using image sensors for detection and digital/printed labels for modification. The system substitutes human hands and eyes with automated imaging and positioning mechanisms, achieving faster and more accurate label updates while maintaining flexibility through programmable navigation and detection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual label modification is performed, then precise label placement can be achieved, but error rate increases due to human factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel placement accuracyVSAvoiderror rate in label updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback through image sensors that capture and analyze label positions and characteristics before modification. The apparatus uses this visual feedback to verify correct label placement, detect existing labels for removal, and ensure accurate positioning of new labels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates human error in assessment and verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies or images of existing labels through image sensors, allowing for precise analysis and comparison. By working with digital representations rather than direct manual manipulation, the system ensures consistent and accurate label placement while eliminating variability introduced by human operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If frequent label updates are performed manually, then product information remains current, but productivity decreases due to repetitive manual tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrency of product informationVSAvoidspeed of label updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-navigating to support structures and pre-detecting label positions before modification is needed. The mobile apparatus can queue multiple label update tasks, pre-position itself at various locations, and execute updates in sequence without waiting for manual intervention between each change, significantly increasing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous operation where the mobile apparatus continuously navigates between support structures, continuously detects labels, and continuously applies modifications without interruption. The automated system maintains continuous productive action unlike manual processes that require breaks, repositioning, and repeated setup between label updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11090811B2Method and apparatus for labeling of support structures

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for labeling support structures includes: a chassis having a locomotive assembly; an effector assembly having a first end coupled to the chassis and a second end movable relative to the chassis; a label modification unit at the second end of the effector assembly, the label modification unit including an image sensor; and a controller coupled to the locomotive assembly, the effector assembly and the label modification unit, the controller configured to: obtain label modification data defining a location of a low powered display relative to a reference feature on a support structure for modifying content displayed by the display; control the locomotive assembly to travel to the support structure; detect the reference feature via image data captured at the image sensor; control the effector assembly to place the label modification unit at the location; and control the effector assembly and the label modification unit to modify the content.