Automated Object Sorting via Gravity Drop and Transport Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current unmanned warehouse sorting systems require manual intervention, are inefficient due to frequent side-changing of AGVs, and pose safety risks due to the height and weight of objects shelves.

Innovation Solution

An object sorting system comprising a storage device that automatically moves objects, a transport device that moves to the storage device to collect sorted objects, and a dispatching system that coordinates the movement and sorting process, eliminating the need for manual sorting and reducing safety risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sorting is used from objects shelves, then sorting can be performed, but sorting efficiency is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device automatically drives objects to move and fall to the transport device without manual intervention. The system self-serves by using the storage device's own driving mechanism to complete the sorting action, eliminating the need for manual sorting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated driving mechanism. The storage device uses a driving part to mechanically move objects, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system that can continuously operate without fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If AGV carries objects shelf for sorting, then sorting can be performed, but safety risks increase due to height and weight of shelves

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsorting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sorting function from the AGV by having the storage device remain stationary while only the transport device moves. The AGV no longer needs to carry the entire objects shelf, instead only transporting individual objects or smaller batches, which significantly reduces the weight and height risks associated with carrying full shelves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sorting process is segmented into separate functions: the storage device remains stationary and performs the driving action, while the transport device handles movement. This segmentation allows the AGV to avoid carrying heavy, tall shelves, reducing safety risks while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If AGV frequently changes sides to sort objects, then all objects can be sorted, but sorting efficiency decreases due to frequent movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidtime for side-changing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is pre-configured with objects arranged in sorting order, and the driving part is positioned to drive objects directly to the correct sorting locations. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for frequent AGV side-changing during the sorting process, as objects can be driven to their destinations more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic control of the driving part to adjust the sorting process in real-time. Instead of rigid, pre-planned AGV movements requiring frequent side changes, the driving mechanism dynamically drives objects to the appropriate transport device positions, reducing unnecessary movements and improving sorting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Extent of automation

If transport device moves to storage device for sorting, then automation increases, but coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting automationVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that coordinates the transport device's movement to the storage device and the driving part's operation. The control system receives feedback about object positions, storage device status, and transport device location, automatically adjusting operations to maintain coordination without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system improves sorting efficiency by automating the process, reduces safety hazards by minimizing the need for AGVs to carry heavy shelves, and enhances accuracy by ensuring objects are correctly sorted and counted.

Implementation Method 1

the object to be sorted is driven to depart from the storage device and then falls to the transport device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12338073B2Object sorting system and sorting method

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHITECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

An object sorting system includes: a storage device configured to drive an object to be sorted in the storage device to move after an object moving-out instruction is received; a transport device configured to transport the object to be sorted; and a dispatching system configured to enable the transport device to move to the storage device where the object to be sorted is located according to a storage position of the object to be sorted in the storage device, so that the object to be sorted is driven to depart from the storage device and then falls to the transport device.