Movable Shelf Identification for High-Throughput Robot Cargo Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo sorting systems face challenges in efficiently handling multiple shelves simultaneously, leading to complex structures and reduced sorting efficiency, especially when unloading into predetermined cargo boxes on shelves with multiple compartments.
Innovation Solution
A robot cargo sorting system comprising movable shelves with identification devices, sorting robots, unloading robots, detection devices, and a server, which enables flexible shelf transfer and precise unloading into designated cargo boxes using a compact structure with movable shelves and unloading robots that can move in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cargoes are unloaded at predetermined outlets according to region division, then the sorting process is simple, but the ability to handle cargoes and sorting efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic shelf transfer capability where shelves can be moved between different unloading regions based on real-time sorting needs. The shelf transfer identification device detects and tracks shelf positions, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to different sorting configurations rather than being fixed to predetermined outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting system is designed to handle multiple shelves simultaneously across different regions. The shelf transfer mechanism allows the same shelf to serve multiple unloading regions, and the system can process cargoes for multiple destinations concurrently, increasing overall cargo handling ability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple shelves are processed simultaneously to improve cargo handling, then sorting efficiency increases, but structure complexity and control difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf transfer identification device provides real-time feedback on shelf positions and statuses to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to track and manage multiple shelves simultaneously, coordinating their movements and unloading operations without overwhelming complexity. The identification device acts as a sensor that continuously monitors the system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting system processes shelves in manageable segments rather than as a single complex unit. Each shelf can be independently tracked, moved, and unloaded, allowing the system to handle multiple shelves through modular operations. This segmentation reduces control complexity compared to managing a monolithic multi-shelf structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are made movable to enable flexible unloading regions, then space utilization improves, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf transfer identification device automatically detects and identifies shelf positions and transfer states without requiring complex external monitoring systems. The shelves are equipped with identification features that enable self-identification during transfer operations, reducing the complexity of the control system needed to manage movable shelves.
Data Source
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AI summary
The robot cargo sorting system capable of identifying shelf transfer, and a sorting method thereof. The sorting system comprises: movable shelves (2), each of which is provided with a plurality of cargo boxes (21) for loading and unloading cargo, the movable shelves (2) being fixedly provided with identification devices (3) and capable of moving to any vacant unloading region; sorting robots (1), a plurality of sorting robots (1) being provided and capable of travelling on a sorting platform (11), and the sorting robots (1) also being capable of transporting received cargo to a designated unloading region for unloading; a sorting robot locating device; an introduction device; loading and unloading robots (5), which can receive cargo unloaded from the sorting robots(1), and can also unload the cargo and load a predetermined vacant cargo box (21) of the movable shelves (2) with same; detection devices (4), which can acquire information of the identification devices (3); and a server, which is connected to controllers of the sorting robots (1) in a wireless mode, and is connected to controllers of the loading and unloading robots (5), the detection devices (4) and the introduction device in a wired or wireless mode. The robot cargo sorting system and the sorting method thereof have the beneficial effects of a compact structure, a large sorting amount, full utilization of pace and high sorting efficiency.