Moving Carrier Picking for High-Capacity Material Set Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current material handling systems face limitations in efficiently distributing machined components to a large number of material sets, necessitating increased capacity and precision in component distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a numerically controlled picking device and a transport device to transfer components from an intermediate carrier to material set carriers while moving, allowing for simultaneous transport and picking, thereby reducing stationary time and enhancing distribution capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot distributes machined components one at a time to material set carriers, then the distribution can be performed with simple equipment, but the distribution speed and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport function and picking function into a single integrated transport device. The picking device is mounted on the transport device, allowing components to be picked and transferred to material set carriers during the transport process itself, eliminating the need for separate stationary picking stations and enabling simultaneous transport and distribution operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from stationary component distribution to dynamic distribution during transport. The picking device operates while the transport device is in motion, allowing components to be picked from intermediate carriers and placed on material set carriers during the movement between storage areas, thereby utilizing transport time for productive distribution work
2Productivity
If the intermediate carrier remains stationary during component transfer, then the picking operation can be performed accurately, but the distribution time increases and capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous productive action by performing the picking operation during the transport movement. The picking device operates continuously as the transport device moves between storage areas, eliminating idle stationary time. The useful action of component distribution continues throughout the entire transport cycle rather than requiring separate stationary phases for picking and transporting
Solution Approach 2:
The picking device is pre-positioned on the transport device and ready to operate during movement. Components are picked from intermediate carriers that are brought to the picking location during transport, allowing the distribution action to be prepared and executed in advance of the destination arrival, maximizing the utilization of transport time
Data Source
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AI summary
This document discloses a method for distribution of components to material sets. The method comprises carrying out, at a feed station (41, 42, 43), at least one machining step to provide at least two components; arranging, at the feed station (41, 42, 43), said at least two components on a common intermediate carrier (7); and transferring said components to at least one material set carrier (6) located at a distance from the feed station (41, 42, 43), in such a way that each of said material set carriers (6) contains a plurality of components that are intended to be joined together to form part of a predetermined product. The method further comprises the transfer of the components to the material set carrier being carried out using a numerically controlled picking device, while the intermediate carrier and the material set carrier are being moved using a common transport device, between the first and second storage areas in a first or second storage arrangement (1, 2, 3) for storing a plurality of material set carriers (6).