Mobile Picking Method Using Portable Wireless Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse picking systems require expensive hardware installations and secure data connectivity, which increases with the size of the warehouse and number of mobile devices, and often necessitate wireless network capabilities throughout the facility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile picking method and system that uses handheld devices to communicate picking locations and sequences without extensive hardware expenditure, utilizing optical patterns like QR codes and Bluetooth connections, allowing for electronic isolation from the warehouse management system and reducing the need for widespread wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless network capabilities are installed throughout the warehouse to support mobile picking devices, then picking operations can be supported, but hardware installation costs and data connectivity expenses increase proportionately with warehouse size
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the warehouse into zones with portable wireless access points that can be moved as needed. Instead of installing permanent wireless infrastructure throughout the entire warehouse, the system segments the coverage area and uses mobile hotspots to provide connectivity only where picking operations are actively occurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable wireless access points as intermediary devices between the mobile picking devices and the central system. These access points act as temporary communication bridges, allowing data transmission without requiring permanent wireless infrastructure throughout the warehouse.
2Productivity
If more mobile picking devices are deployed to increase picking capacity, then order fulfillment speed improves, but the cost of secure data connectivity and hardware installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable wireless access points serve multiple functions: they provide wireless connectivity for multiple mobile devices simultaneously, act as local data caching points, and can be reused across different warehouse zones. This multi-functionality reduces the overall infrastructure cost compared to dedicated connectivity for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing expensive permanent wireless infrastructure, the system uses copies of portable access point devices that can be deployed temporarily. These portable units replicate the necessary connectivity functionality without the overhead of permanent installation and maintenance.
3Loss of information
If centralized host system continuously communicates with mobile devices to provide picking instructions, then real-time order tracking is achieved, but data security risks and system vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads picking instructions and order information into local memory of portable access points and mobile devices before connectivity is needed. This allows operations to proceed with cached data, reducing the frequency and duration of communications with the central host system and thereby reducing exposure to security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local data processing and decision-making capabilities at portable access points and mobile devices. Instead of relying entirely on centralized control, each device can independently process cached picking instructions, reducing the security surface area exposed to potential attacks on the central system.
Data Source
AI summary
A picking method includes having in a mobile device data and an application running on the mobile device. An order made up of a number of items to be picked from the warehouse is communicated from a host to a client application of the mobile device. The mobile device provides instructions of a sequence of locations to pick and the items to be picked at each location without further communications from the host. A corresponding picking system is provided.