Mobile Unit Shelf Scoring for Reduced Rearrangement Travel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelf conveyance systems using mobile units like AGVs face inefficiencies when rearranging shelves based solely on usage frequency, leading to increased travel distances and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A mobile unit management device calculates a score for each shelf based on conveyance frequency and distance to workstations, determining optimal rearrangement positions to minimize travel distance and improve efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If shelves are arranged based solely on use frequency, then frequently used shelves are positioned near workstations, but the travel distance for rearrangement becomes long and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf conveyance efficiencyVSAvoidrearrangement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the arrangement parameters from simple use frequency to a comprehensive scoring system that includes conveyance frequency, distance to workstation, and current position. This multi-parameter approach optimizes both the efficiency of shelf conveyance and minimizes the time required for rearrangement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The management device calculates optimal positions and determines rearrangement strategies in advance before actual rearrangement operations are executed. This preliminary planning ensures that shelves are positioned optimally for future operations while minimizing the time and distance required for the rearrangement process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If shelves are arranged based solely on use frequency, then frequently used shelves are positioned near workstations, but travel distance for rearrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf conveyance efficiencyVSAvoidtravel distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the arrangement criterion from single-parameter (use frequency) to multi-parameter optimization including conveyance frequency, distance to workstation, and current position. This comprehensive scoring system reduces the travel distance required for rearrangement while maintaining high conveyance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different weighting factors to different parameters based on local conditions. Frequently used shelves receive higher priority for near-workstation positioning, while the rearrangement algorithm considers current positions to minimize travel distance. This localized optimization approach balances efficiency gains with rearrangement costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250250110A1Mobile unit management device, management method, and storage medium that stores management program

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a mobile unit management device for a mobile unit includes a processor with hardware. The processor is configured to calculate a score from a conveyance frequency for a workstation of each of shelves arranged in a facility and a distance between each of the shelves and the workstation, and determine a rearrangement position of each of the shelves based on the score and a current position of each of the shelves.