Pharmacy Picking Device Weight-Based Storage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic picking devices used in pharmacies face challenges in storing drug packs due to shelf deflection caused by uneven weight distribution, leading to incorrect placement and retrieval issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a picking device that includes a shelf row with weighted storage sections, an identification device, a storage device, and a control device that determines the appropriate storage space based on the dimensions and weight of the drug packs, ensuring compliance with weight specifications to prevent shelf deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If piece goods are stored randomly on shelves based on available space, then storage density increases and empty space is reduced, but shelf deflection occurs due to uneven weight distribution leading to retrieval errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different weight capacity characteristics to different storage locations on shelves. Each storage location is evaluated individually for its weight-bearing capability, allowing heavy items to be placed only in locations that can support them while lighter items can be placed in more locations. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by enabling high storage density while maintaining retrieval reliability through location-specific weight constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of storage location selection from purely spatial availability to a combination of spatial availability and weight capacity. The control device evaluates multiple parameters including remaining weight capacity, dimensions, and location coordinates when determining where to place each medication pack. This parameter expansion resolves the contradiction by adding weight as a critical factor in storage location determination, preventing shelf deflection while maximizing storage utilization.
2Reliability
If weight specifications are enforced for storage sections, then shelf deflection is prevented and retrieval accuracy is maintained, but storage flexibility and space utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making weight capacity a dynamic attribute of storage locations rather than a fixed constraint. As medication packs are removed and stored elsewhere, the remaining weight capacity of each location increases, dynamically expanding the available storage options. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to changing weight distributions, maintaining reliability through continuous weight monitoring while preserving flexibility through real-time recalculation of valid storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual weight placed on each shelf section and comparing it against the specified weight capacity. The control device receives weight information from sensors and uses this feedback to adjust future storage decisions, preventing overloading while maximizing space utilization. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by transforming weight restrictions from rigid constraints into adaptive guidelines that maintain reliability without unnecessarily limiting storage flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If the gripper aligns precisely with the shelf for accurate picking, then retrieval accuracy is improved, but the system cannot accommodate shelf bending caused by weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and enforcing appropriate weight distributions before shelf deflection occurs. The control device calculates optimal storage locations that respect weight capacity limits, preventing excessive loading that would cause shelf bending. By taking this preventive action beforehand, the system maintains shelf structural stability while preserving the precise alignment conditions needed for accurate gripper positioning and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by proactively counteracting the potential harmful effect of shelf deflection through weight-based storage constraints. Before deflection can occur, the system prevents it by directing heavy items to locations with sufficient weight capacity and avoiding overloading vulnerable shelf sections. This preliminary counter-measure resolves the contradiction by eliminating the root cause of shelf instability, thereby maintaining the precise geometric relationships required for accurate gripper alignment and retrieval.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for storing unit loads in a picking device (1) and to a picking device (1) as such.To avoid incorrect storage, a control unit (70) operates or can access a storage section database which has at least one weight specification for a plurality of storage sections, wherein an identifier of a unit item is read with an identification device (80), the dimensions of the unit item to be stored are determined, the weight of the unit item to be stored is determined, a storage location for the unit item is determined based on at least the dimensions and the weight of the unit item to be stored, whereby the weight specifications of the storage sections are taken into account when determining the storage location and only storage locations in those storage sections whose weight specifications are met when storing the unit item to be stored are considered, and finally the unit item to be stored is moved to the determined storage location with a gripper (60).