Multi-Functional Storage Container for Robotic and Manual Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern inventory systems face inefficiencies in resource utilization, leading to lower throughput, long response times, and increased backlogs due to the challenges of managing diverse inventory requests, particularly in large-scale environments where coordination between system components is lacking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-functional storage containers with designated areas for both robotic and manual manipulation, managed by a central module that assigns tasks to appropriate components such as mobile drive units, robotic arms, and personnel based on item attributes and availability, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage containers are designed for single-function use (either manual or robotic storage), then the storage area is simplified and easier to manage, but the utilization of space and resources is inefficient leading to lower throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is designed with multiple functional areas: a first area optimized for manual storage with accessible shelving and a second area optimized for robotic storage with standardized interfaces. This multi-functional design allows the same container to serve both manual and automated operations, improving space utilization and throughput without requiring separate storage systems for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is divided into distinct functional zones: a manual storage area with items positioned at ergonomic heights and a robotic storage area with items positioned for automated access. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific operation type while being part of a unified container structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
2Extent of automation
If all storage areas are designed for robotic manipulation, then automation extent is improved, but the ease of operation for manual tasks deteriorates requiring personnel to use ladders or stools
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the storage container are designed with different qualities: the manual storage area features shelving and item positioning optimized for human ergonomics and accessibility, while the robotic storage area features standardized interfaces and positioning optimized for automated manipulation. This local differentiation allows each area to excel at its intended function without compromising the other.
3Ease of operation
If storage containers are designed for manual manipulation only, then ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation deteriorates leading to increased labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container incorporates both manual and robotic functional areas, making it universally applicable to both operational modes. The manual area maintains ergonomic design for ease of operation, while the robotic area provides standardized interfaces for automation. This dual-capability design eliminates the need to choose between manual ease of operation and automated capability.
4Ease of operation
If separate storage systems are used for manual and robotic operations, then the ease of operation for each is optimized, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines manual and robotic storage functionalities into a single integrated container structure. The container features both manual access areas and robotic access areas within one unified design, eliminating the need for separate storage systems. This merging reduces coordination complexity while maintaining the operational advantages of both manual and automated storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for utilizing multi-functional storage containers to store items within a facility. An indication may be received that an item is to be stored within some storage container within the facility. The storage container may be a multi-functional storage container configured with a first set of storage compartments designated for items that are to be manually placed and a second set of storage compartments designated for items that are to be robotically placed. A placement method (e.g., robotic or manual) may be determined for the item and a storage component of the storage container selected based at least in part on the determined placement method. Once the storage component is selected, instructions may be provided to a robotic device (for robotic placement) or a computing device (for manual placement) instructing that the item be placed at the selected storage component.