Multi-Level Conveyor Modules for Flexible Warehouse Cargo Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo collection methods in consolidation warehouses face inefficiencies due to handling robot congestion in partitioned systems during high order workloads and excessive movement in non-partitioned systems during low order workloads, leading to reduced working efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conveyor transport module with multiple levels of conveyors and cargo collection modules, controlled by a transportation server, to manage container movement, allowing for flexible deployment and allocation of containers to reduce handling robot movement paths and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If partitioned cargo collection is used, then cargo storage is organized, but handling robots cause congestion during high order workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cargo collection function from the storage function by introducing dedicated cargo collection modules that circulate containers independently. This separates the handling robot's task to only perform cargo collection at specific modules, avoiding congestion in the entire warehouse while maintaining organized storage zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo collection modules act as intermediaries between the handling robots and the storage areas. These modules circulate containers to designated locations, allowing handling robots to deposit containers without direct interaction with storage zones, thereby preventing congestion while maintaining organizational structure.
2Area of stationary object
If non-partitioned cargo collection is used, then storage space utilization is maximized, but handling robots spend excessive time moving during low order workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning cargo collection modules at optimal locations within the warehouse and pre-circulating containers to these modules. Handling robots only need to transport containers to nearby modules rather than traversing the entire warehouse, significantly reducing movement time while maintaining high storage space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding vertical circulation through multiple levels of cargo collection modules. Containers are collected and circulated at different heights and positions, allowing handling robots to deposit containers at the most convenient nearby module rather than moving across the entire horizontal warehouse space.
3Ease of operation
If handling robots transport containers directly between storage areas, then cargo collection is simple, but robot movement paths are long and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the container circulation function from the handling robot's responsibilities and assigns it to dedicated cargo collection modules. Handling robots only perform the simple task of depositing containers at nearby modules, while the modules handle the complex circulation and positioning, thereby simplifying robot operations and improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo collection modules serve themselves by autonomously circulating containers to optimal locations based on order requirements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for handling robots to calculate and traverse long paths, as the modules automatically manage container distribution, simplifying robot operations while maximizing productivity.
Data Source
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Figure 1c
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a system and a method for cargo collection transport and a related device. The system for cargo collection transport includes a conveyor transport module, a transportation server configured to control the conveyor transport module to transmit a container, a cargo collection module configured to store the container, and a handling robot configured to transport the container. The conveyor transport module may circulate the container between the cargo collection module and an opening of a consolidation warehouse, and the handling robot may circulate the container between a third-level conveyor and a rack. The conveyor transport module includes a first-level conveyor, a second-level conveyor, and the third-level conveyor. One end of the first-level conveyor is disposed at the opening of the consolidation warehouse. Another end extends into the consolidation warehouse. At least one second-level conveyor is connected in an extension direction of the first-level conveyor. At least one third-level conveyor is connected to each second-level conveyor. A side of each third-level conveyor in the extension direction is provided with at least one cargo collection module. This application is beneficial to improving flexibility of cargo collection transportation.