Overhead Transport Carrier Control for Flexible Order Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead conveying devices for order-picking systems do not allow individual movement of transport carriers, leading to performance losses and requiring large installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
An overhead conveying device with a guide rail and transport carriers equipped with wheels and a drive motor, allowing individual movement and configuration of routes, speeds, and distances between carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transport carriers are moved collectively with other transport carriers in known order-picking systems, then the system structure is simpler, but performance losses occur and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independently controllable drive segments, where each transport carrier can be individually actuated or grouped with others in the same drive segment. This allows selective individual movement of transport carriers while maintaining system simplicity through modular segmentation of the drive function.
2Productivity
If transport carriers are moved collectively, then the control system is simpler, but throughput is reduced and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static collective movement to dynamic individual control, where transport carriers can be moved individually or in groups based on real-time order-picking requirements. The control system dynamically adjusts which carriers are actuated and at what speeds, optimizing throughput while adapting to changing operational demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of movement parameters (speed, acceleration, timing) for each transport carrier or drive segment. By changing these parameters dynamically based on operational needs, the system achieves higher throughput without requiring complete individual control of every carrier in all situations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual movement of transport carriers is enabled, then flexibility and throughput improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into multiple drive segments that can be independently configured and controlled. Each segment can handle one or more transport carriers, allowing flexible route configuration without requiring complete individualization of every carrier's drive system. This segmentation provides adaptability while controlling complexity through modular organization.
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
Enables flexible and efficient movement of transport carriers, improving throughput and reducing installation space requirements while allowing for independent operation.
Implementation Method 1
The drive device has an electrically powered motor which is mounted on the transport carrier, wherein one wheel of said wheels is configured as a (first) drive wheel that is coupled to the motor
Implementation Method 2
one wheel of said wheels is configured as a (first) drive wheel that is coupled to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead conveying device for an order-picking system comprises a support structure such as a guide rail, a transport carrier movable on the support structure for transporting a hanging article, and a drive device for moving the transport carrier on the support structure. The transport carrier can have a drive wheel coupled to a motor, an energy source connected to the motor, a holding force generator by means of which the transport carrier movably adheres to the support structure, and/or a driving control and a writably and readably configured memory connected thereto. The overhead conveying device can further have a diverter with a diverter element which is movable vertically to a level of a running surface of the guide rail or away from it.