Overhead Conveyor Discharge System for B2B and B2C Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics systems face challenges in efficiently processing both B2B and B2C picking orders due to differing requirements, such as order quantity and speed, leading to high investment costs and space requirements for separate systems.
Innovation Solution
A picking system comprising a conveying device with a hanging conveyor and a discharge device featuring multiple conveyors that can switch between levels and directions, allowing for precise control and sorting of piece goods, enabling efficient transfer and distribution between B2B and B2C shipments within a single logistics system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate logistics systems are used for B2B and B2C picking orders, then each system can be optimized for its specific requirements, but investment costs and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal logistics system where a single overhead conveyor system with multiple discharge conveyors can handle both B2B and B2C order types. The system uses a common receiving area and overhead conveyor infrastructure, with configurable discharge paths that can be adjusted based on order type, eliminating the need for completely separate B2B and B2C facilities while maintaining optimization capabilities for both order types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the logistics system into modular functional areas: a common receiving area, an overhead conveyor system with multiple lanes, and configurable discharge conveyors that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to be optimized for different order types while sharing common infrastructure, reducing overall complexity and cost
2Device complexity
If a single logistics system processes both B2B and B2C orders, then investment costs and space requirements are reduced, but the system must handle conflicting requirements of different order types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control elements including adjustable discharge conveyors that can change their configuration and destination based on real-time order requirements. The system can dynamically route packages from the overhead conveyor to different discharge areas, and the discharge conveyors can adjust their speed and configuration to meet the specific speed and volume requirements of either B2B or B2C orders
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the common receiving area and the different discharge areas. It provides a flexible transport layer that can distribute packages to various destinations based on order type, while the configurable discharge conveyors serve as intermediaries between the overhead system and the final delivery points, allowing the system to adapt to different requirements without needing separate facilities
3Speed
If B2C fulfillment prioritizes fast picking speed, then customer delivery time is reduced, but the system may not be optimized for high-volume B2B orders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by providing different discharge conveyor configurations for different destinations. The discharge conveyors can be independently optimized with appropriate speeds, capacities, and configurations based on the specific requirements of each discharge area - faster configurations for B2C areas requiring rapid package release, and higher-capacity configurations for B2B areas handling bulk orders
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a picking system for transporting and distributing unit loads. This system comprises a conveying device including an overhead conveyor for conveying the unit loads and a discharge station for transferring the unit loads from the overhead conveyor to a discharge device for conveying the conveyed unit loads, which comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor, wherein at a distribution point the first conveyor is arranged in an upper level and the second conveyor in a lower level, wherein the unit loads can be transferred to the first conveyor and conveyed in a first conveying direction or transferred to the second conveyor and conveyed in a second conveying direction.