Transport Vehicle Parcel Sorting for Collision-Free Space Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parcel and article sorting processes are labor-intensive, costly, prone to errors, and inefficient, with automated sorting equipment being expensive, underutilized, and limited in capacity, leading to increased delivery times and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising transport vehicles and a control system that interacts with article identifiers to determine destinations and direct the transport of articles to corresponding containers, optimizing sorting efficiency by using a platform with multiple outlets and intelligent transport management to avoid collisions and maximize space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated sorting equipment is used, then sorting efficiency and accuracy are improved, but capital investment cost and equipment complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sorting facility into multiple workstations, each handling specific sorting tasks. Transport vehicles move between workstations independently, allowing the system to be scaled and configured based on specific needs rather than requiring a complete automated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transport vehicles serve multiple functions: they transport articles between workstations, carry multiple articles simultaneously, and can be directed to different destinations based on real-time sorting needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If automated sorting equipment is deployed, then sorting accuracy is improved, but warehouse space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting accuracyVSAvoidwarehouse space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes vertical space by implementing multi-level workstations and elevated transport paths. Articles are sorted at different heights and levels, maximizing the use of three-dimensional space rather than only horizontal floor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple articles are stacked and carried simultaneously on transport vehicles. Workstations are arranged to allow transport vehicles to pass through or between them, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If manual sorting processes are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but labor costs and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static manual sorting to dynamic automated transport with mobile vehicles that move articles actively between workstations. This dynamic approach maintains simplicity in workstation design while significantly improving processing speed through automated movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Transport vehicles act as intermediaries between workstations, carrying articles and enabling parallel processing at multiple stations simultaneously. This mediator approach allows manual sorting to be enhanced without requiring complex automated sorting mechanisms at each workstation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If existing automated sorting equipment operates at peak capacity, then throughput is maximized, but utilization rate drops during low-volume periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput capacityVSAvoidutilization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The number and routing of transport vehicles are dynamically adjusted based on real-time sorting volume and destination requirements. During low-volume periods, fewer vehicles are deployed and workstations can be deactivated, allowing the system to scale operations flexibly rather than maintaining fixed peak-capacity infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11630448B2Parcel and article sorting system and method

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 ZHEJIANG LIBIAO ROBOT CO LTD

AI summary

A system includes an article supply location, wherein the article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container. And a control system. The control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.