Multi-Level Pallet Conveying Layout for Automated Storage Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage facilities face inefficiencies in pallet handling, requiring significant space and manual labor, with limited automation and optimization of multi-level storage operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level pallet-conveying system integrating various automated devices such as elevators, cranes, and rail-guided vehicles to optimize space utilization and minimize human intervention, enabling efficient movement and storage of pallets across multiple levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pallet handling is used in storage facilities, then human operators can directly manipulate pallets, but significant space is required and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with automated robotic systems. Robots equipped with specialized end effectors automatically grasp, lift, and transport pallets between storage locations, eliminating the need for human operators to manually handle heavy pallets while reducing the space required for manual operation areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through autonomous robotic units that navigate independently, self-coordinate with other robots, and automatically perform pallet manipulation tasks without human intervention. The robots autonomously determine optimal paths, grasp pallets, and deliver them to designated locations.
2Volume of stationary object
If multi-level storage racks are implemented, then space utilization increases, but complex automated conveying systems are required to service multiple levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-level storage servicing function into independent robotic units, each capable of operating autonomously. Rather than one complex centralized conveying system, multiple segmented robotic units independently navigate to different levels, grasp pallets, and transport them, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining multi-level capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional horizontal conveying to three-dimensional autonomous navigation. Robots operate in the vertical dimension by navigating around and beneath storage racks, using depth-first search algorithms to access pallets on multiple levels, thereby eliminating the need for complex vertical conveying mechanisms.
3Productivity
If automated pallet conveying systems are deployed, then throughput increases, but the system requires sophisticated routing and coordination algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing where robots continuously adapt their paths based on real-time conditions. The system uses depth-first search algorithms that dynamically explore available routes, avoid collisions, and optimize delivery sequences. Robots can dynamically change their navigation strategy based on the positions of other robots and the urgency of different pallet delivery tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where robots report their positions, status, and environmental observations to a central coordination system. The routing algorithms use this feedback to dynamically adjust paths, resolve conflicts, and optimize throughput. Sensors detect pallet positions, robot locations, and obstacles, providing real-time feedback for algorithmic decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in a multi-level pallet-conveying system for a storage facility. The conveying system includes a first-level conveying system, a first-level into-storage conveying lane adapted to receive pallets from the first-level conveying system and provide such pallets to a first-level station of a storage lifting system, and a first-level from-storage conveying lane adapted to receive pallets from the first-level station of the storage lifting system and provide such pallets to the first-level conveying system. The conveying system also includes a second-level conveying system, a second-level into-storage conveying lane adapted to receive pallets from the second-level conveying system and provide such pallets to a second-level station of the storage lifting system, and a second-level from-storage conveying lane adapted to receive pallets from the second-level station of the storage lifting system and provide such pallets to the second-level conveying system.