Mobile Parcel Sorting With Destination Container Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel and article sorting systems are labor-intensive, prone to processing errors, and inefficient, especially during non-peak periods, with automated equipment being costly, space-intensive, and underutilized, and often results in damaged or incorrectly packaged items.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising computer-controlled transport vehicles and a control system that interacts with information acquisition devices to determine product types and direct articles to appropriate destination containers, utilizing a platform for efficient sorting and a removal device for further processing, such as packaging or labeling, to optimize sorting efficiency and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated sorting equipment is used, then sorting accuracy and consistency are improved, but cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sorting function into two parts: a simple stationary platform that provides structure and guidance, and mobile robotic vehicles that perform the active sorting task. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automated sorting without requiring a large, complex fixed infrastructure, thereby reducing space and equipment costs while maintaining sorting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicles are equipped with their own navigation and article handling capabilities, allowing them to autonomously navigate the platform, locate destination containers, and deposit articles. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sorting accuracy.
2Device complexity
If traditional manual sorting is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but labor intensity and processing errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport vehicles autonomously perform sorting operations without human intervention. They navigate the platform independently, identify destination containers, and deposit articles automatically. This self-service capability eliminates labor-intensive manual sorting while maintaining low equipment costs through the use of simple, modular robotic vehicles rather than complex automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicles are designed as multi-functional units that can handle various article types and navigate to different destination containers. This universality allows a single vehicle design to perform all sorting tasks, reducing the need for specialized equipment and lowering overall system cost while improving sorting efficiency through automation.
3Productivity
If automated sorting equipment is used, then sorting speed is improved, but utilization rate decreases during non-peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic, mobile transport vehicles instead of fixed sorting infrastructure. These vehicles can be deployed or retired based on demand, and multiple vehicles can share the sorting workload. During non-peak periods, fewer vehicles are active, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining high sorting speed when vehicles are in use. The flexible deployment model eliminates the underutilization problem of fixed automated equipment.
4Device complexity
If manual sorting is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but processing errors and package damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the simple structural function (provided by the stationary platform) from the intelligent sorting function (performed by autonomous vehicles). This segmentation allows the majority of the system to remain simple and stationary, while only the mobile vehicles require complex navigation and decision-making capabilities, thereby maintaining overall system simplicity while improving processing accuracy through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicles use sensors and navigation systems to continuously monitor their position, identify destination containers, and adjust their trajectories. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate article deposition while preventing damage through controlled movements. The automated feedback loops eliminate the variability and errors associated with manual sorting while maintaining system simplicity through the use of straightforward sensor-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
System includes an article supply location that includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container, and one or more removal devices that transport the container to a location of further processing. System further includes a control system configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container, deposit the article in the destination container, and transport the destination container to a location for further processing by manipulation of the removal device.