Order-Picking Station With Inclined Gravity Transfer for Ergonomic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems face challenges in providing ergonomic working conditions and efficient order preparation rates due to fixed storage container heights and the need for operators to bend down, which affects productivity.
Innovation Solution
An order preparation station with a U-shaped conveyor assembly, featuring inclined transfer devices and adjustable height, allows for ergonomic operation and increased order preparation efficiency by facilitating gravity-assisted transfer and simultaneous handling of multiple storage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage container height is fixed, then the system structure is simple, but the operator must constantly bend down which deteriorates ergonomic working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The picking station is designed to be height-adjustable and tiltable, allowing dynamic adaptation to different operator needs and container types. The station can be raised or lowered and tilted at various angles to present containers at ergonomic heights, eliminating the need for operators to constantly bend down while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled mechanical adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the picking station is inclined to facilitate item pickup, then ergonomic working conditions improve, but the transfer device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined picking station is paired with inclined transfer devices that match the station's angle. This creates a continuous inclined surface from the arrival conveyor through the picking station to the return conveyor, allowing containers to be transferred smoothly along the incline without requiring additional lifting or lowering mechanisms, thus improving ergonomics while controlling complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple storage containers are presented simultaneously, then order preparation rate increases, but the conveyor assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor assembly is configured in a U-shape that combines the arrival conveyor, picking station, and return conveyor into a single integrated structure. This merging allows multiple storage containers to be presented simultaneously at different positions along the U-shaped path, increasing order preparation rate while avoiding the complexity of separate independent conveyor systems through unified design.
4Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-assisted transfer is used, then energy consumption decreases, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Braking elements are introduced as intermediary components on the inclined transfer devices. These braking elements provide controlled resistance to the gravity-assisted container movement, allowing precise control over the transfer process. The braking elements enable accurate positioning and controlled deceleration without requiring additional energy input, thus maintaining low energy consumption while improving transfer control precision.
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 solution enhances ergonomic working conditions and increases order preparation rates by enabling gravity-assisted transfer and simultaneous handling of multiple containers, improving operator comfort and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a first transfer device (5) arranged between the arrival conveyor (4) and the picking station (6), and comprising first receiving means (51) configured to control the transfer under the effect of gravity of a storage container (10) passing from the arrival conveyor (4) to the first transfer device (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an order preparation station comprising a conveying assembly (4, 5, 8, 9) comprising: - an arrival conveyor (4) for articles and a return conveyor (9) for articles which are parallel and substantially horizontal, - a first transfer device (5) arranged between the arrival conveyor (4) and the station (6), and - a second transfer device (8) arranged between the station (6) and the return conveyor (9), the station (6) and the two transfer devices (5, 8) are inclined and the first transfer device (5) comprises receiving means (51) configured to accompany the transfer under the effect of gravity of a storage container passing from the arrival conveyor (4) to the first transfer device (6).