Picking Apparatus Overlap Conveyor Layout for Manual Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picking facilities face inefficiencies in manual picking operations due to the size constraints and obstruction issues caused by the placement of picking apparatuses, leading to increased facility size and reduced operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A picking facility configuration where the picking apparatus is positioned to overlap either the first or second conveyor in a plan view, allowing for seamless switching to manual picking without obstruction and reducing overall facility size by eliminating the need for a dedicated installation area, with the working space and second conveyor arranged opposite to the first conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the picking apparatus is arranged at a position that does not overlap either conveyor in plan view, then the picking operation can be performed, but the overall size of the picking facility increases and the picking apparatus becomes an obstacle when switching to manual picking
Solution Approach 1:
The picking apparatus is positioned to overlap the first conveyor or second conveyor in plan view, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional repositioning allows the picking apparatus to be located above or below the conveyor paths, eliminating the need for additional horizontal installation area while ensuring it does not obstruct the working space when switched to manual picking mode.
2Area of stationary object
If the working space and second conveyor are arranged on opposite sides of the first conveyor, then the facility size is reduced, but the operator must turn around when performing manual picking
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration creates an asymmetric arrangement where the working space and second conveyor are positioned on opposite sides of the first conveyor. This asymmetric layout optimizes space utilization by eliminating redundant areas, and the operator's turning motion is accepted as a necessary compromise to achieve the primary goal of reducing facility size while maintaining functional capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the picking apparatus is positioned to overlap the conveyor in plan view, then the facility size is reduced, but the picking apparatus may obstruct the working space when stopped
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the picking apparatus to overlap the conveyor in plan view, the system utilizes vertical layering to separate the picking apparatus from the working space horizontally. This dimensional arrangement allows the picking apparatus to occupy space above or below the conveyor without obstructing the operator's working area, even when the picking apparatus is stopped.
Data Source
AI summary
A picking facility includes a first conveyor that transports a container containing an article, a picking apparatus that takes out a target article from the container, a second conveyor that transports the target article that has been taken out, and a working space. The working space is provided on a side opposite to the second conveyor with the first conveyor being located between the working space and the second conveyor. The picking apparatus is arranged at a position that overlaps at least one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor and does not overlap the working space in a plan view.