Mobile Robot Conveyor for Flexible Warehouse Item Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing order fulfillment systems in warehouses require large, expensive, and difficult-to-reconfigure infrastructure for item transportation and sorting, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system equipped with a conveyor belt and drive system that can autonomously move items within an operating environment, allowing for flexible item transportation and sorting without the need for permanent infrastructure, using sensors and communication systems for navigation and task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large network of conveyors and slides is used for item transportation and sorting, then item sorting and transportation capability is improved, but infrastructure cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the item transportation and sorting function into multiple independent mobile robots instead of using a single large conveyor network. Each robot is a self-contained unit with its own conveyor belt, sensors, and navigation system, allowing the system to achieve high sorting capability through multiple simple units working in parallel rather than one complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static conveyor infrastructure into dynamic mobile robots that can move freely throughout the fulfillment center. These robots can dynamically adjust their paths, speeds, and routing based on real-time conditions, replacing the fixed, inflexible conveyor network with adaptable mobile units that reduce overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If a permanent conveyor and slide infrastructure is installed, then item transportation efficiency is improved, but reconfigurability and adaptability to changing environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static conveyor infrastructure with dynamic mobile robots that can be easily repositioned and reconfigured. These robots maintain high transportation efficiency through optimized path planning and coordinated movement while providing the flexibility to adapt to changing fulfillment center layouts, seasonal demands, and new item types without permanent installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robots are designed as universal platforms capable of performing multiple functions including item picking, transportation, sorting, and delivery to various destinations. This multi-functionality allows the same robot fleet to handle different item types, serve multiple fulfillment centers, and adapt to changing operational requirements, replacing the specialized, single-purpose conveyor systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile robots with conveyor systems are used instead of permanent infrastructure, then adaptability and reconfigurability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex automation function into multiple identical, standardized mobile robot units. Each robot contains simplified subsystems (conveyor belt, sensors, drive system, controller) that are easier to manufacture and maintain individually than a single large conveyor system. The overall system complexity is managed through standardization and modularity rather than eliminating complexity entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical conveyor infrastructure with mobile robots that use integrated sensor systems, processors, and control algorithms to navigate and coordinate. This substitution of mechanical systems with intelligent, software-controlled units reduces physical infrastructure complexity while maintaining or improving adaptability and reconfigurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.