Modular Storage AGV With Multi-Axis Item Retrieval in Narrow Aisles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory management systems face inefficiencies in handling high-volume and high-velocity goods, as they often require human agents to manually maneuver carts or retrieve entire shelving units, leading to fatigue and inefficiency, especially in narrow aisles and for small orders.
Innovation Solution
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system with a container handling mechanism (CHM) that can retrieve and place items on multiple axes, equipped with a guidance system and power source, allowing for efficient item handling and storage, including a modular storage rack and extendible arm for precise item placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human agents manually maneuver carts to retrieve items, then flexibility in accessing different storage locations is improved, but agent fatigue increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated guided vehicles that autonomously navigate to storage locations, retrieve items, and deliver them to picking stations without human intervention. The AGVs independently perform tasks previously requiring human agents to manually maneuver carts, thereby eliminating agent fatigue while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human-powered cart maneuvering with automated guided vehicles equipped with navigation systems, sensors, and autonomous control. This substitution eliminates the need for human physical effort while maintaining the ability to access various storage locations, thus improving productivity without sacrificing flexibility.
2Extent of automation
If entire shelving units are retrieved by robots, then item retrieval automation is improved, but excessive items are brought to agents increasing cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the shelving unit into individual items or small groups of items. Instead of retrieving entire shelving units, the automated guided vehicles are designed to extract and transport only the specific items or small batches of items needed for current orders. This segmentation allows automation to be maintained while significantly reducing the amount of unnecessary items transported, thereby decreasing picking cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies extraction by removing only the necessary items from storage locations rather than moving entire shelving units. The AGVs are equipped with mechanisms to selectively pick and extract specific items or small quantities of items from shelves, bringing only what is currently needed to the picking stations. This extraction approach maintains high automation levels while minimizing excess item transport and reducing cycle times.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional forklifts are used to move pallets, then bulk item transport capability is improved, but navigation through narrow aisles becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments bulk item transport into smaller units by using automated guided vehicles that can carry individual items or small batches of items rather than requiring full pallets. This segmentation enables the transport system to navigate through narrow aisles and access shelving locations that traditional forklifts cannot reach, while still maintaining the capability to handle bulk quantities through multiple coordinated AGV trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the dimensional constraints of traditional forklifts (requiring wide aisles for turning and maneuvering) to a different operational dimension where small, agile AGVs navigate through narrow spaces. The AGVs are designed with compact dimensions and advanced navigation capabilities, allowing them to operate in three-dimensional space within narrow aisles and tight storage configurations, thereby achieving adaptability that was previously impossible for bulk transport equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid modular storage fetching system is described. In an example implementation, an automated guided vehicle of the hybrid modular storage fetching system includes a drive unit that provides motive force to propel the automated guided vehicle within an operating environment. The automated guided vehicle may also include a container handling mechanism including an extender and a carrying surface, the container handling mechanism having three or more degrees of freedom to move the carrying surface along three or more axes. The container handling mechanism may retrieve an item from a first target shelving unit using the carrying surface and the three or more degrees of freedom and place the item on a second target shelving unit. The automated guided vehicle may also include a power source coupled to provide power to the drive unit and the container handling mechanism.