Parallel-Conveyor Product Pick-Up for Accurate Warehouse Fulfillment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional goods-to-person picking method in warehousing and logistics faces inefficiencies, high labor costs, and accuracy issues, as the steps from shelves to order boxes are still performed by people, necessitating more efficient and automated solutions.
Innovation Solution
A goods picking system with parallel transport lines, a transferring system, and a picking device that automates the transfer and picking of containers, using self-driven robots and mechanical arms to move shelves and bins, and a control system for precise order fulfillment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional person-to-goods picking is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is low and accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements goods-to-person picking by inverting the traditional person-to-goods approach. The conveying device brings storage containers to the picking device, reversing the flow direction. This inversion enables automated high-speed picking while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: conveying device, storage container, picking device, and receiving container. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high productivity through coordinated automation while keeping individual component complexity low and manageable.
2Productivity
If automated goods-to-person picking is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device serves multiple functions: it conveys storage containers to the picking device, returns empty containers, and coordinates with the picking device timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby improving productivity while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated container management where the conveying device automatically returns empty containers to storage positions and the picking device automatically transfers goods to receiving containers. This self-service automation eliminates manual intervention, significantly boosting productivity while the standardized processes keep complexity manageable.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual steps from shelves to order boxes are used, then device complexity is low, but accuracy is poor and labor cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The control device coordinates the conveying and picking operations with feedback mechanisms that track container positions, picking status, and container availability. This feedback system ensures high picking accuracy by verifying each operation while maintaining systematic control that prevents complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical picking operations with an automated picking device that uses controlled mechanisms to transfer goods. This substitution dramatically improves picking accuracy by eliminating human error while the standardized mechanical systems remain sufficiently simple through proven design patterns.
4Productivity
If more automated devices are added, then productivity improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device merges the coordination functions for the conveying device, storage container management, and picking device operations into a single integrated control system. This consolidation improves productivity through coordinated automation while simplifying operation by providing unified control rather than multiple independent control interfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A product pick-up system and a product pick-up method. The pick-up system comprises: a transport device (2) comprising a first conveying line (21) and a second conveying line (22); a handling system used to move a target container (4) from a container storage zone to the first conveying line (21), and to move the target container from the second conveying line (22) to the container storage zone; and a pick-up device (5) used to pick up a product specified in an order. The product pick-up system and the product pick-up method can enhance management efficiency of product pick-up systems and warehouse logistics systems.