Order-Picking Device with Inclined Shafts and Horizontal Shelves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing order-picking devices for pharmaceutical packs are inefficient in storing and retrieving items with varying output frequencies and shapes, leading to reduced storage capacity and output speed, especially in high-output environments.
Innovation Solution
An order-picking device with a combination of horizontal and inclined shelves, where high-output items are stored in inclined shafts and low-output or incompatible items are stored on horizontal shelves, with an auxiliary retrieval device to manage both types of storage, allowing for efficient retrieval and relocation of goods without reducing output speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage shafts are used for high-output items, then output speed is improved, but storage capacity for low-output and incompatible items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two distinct types: storage shafts for high-output items and horizontal shelves for low-output and incompatible items. This segmentation allows each storage type to be optimized for its specific purpose, maintaining high output speed through shafts while expanding overall storage capacity through shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces horizontal shelves as an additional storage dimension beyond the vertical storage shafts. This dimensional expansion allows the system to accommodate diverse item types with varying output frequencies without compromising the high-speed retrieval capability of the shaft system.
2Productivity
If storage shafts are used for type-based storage, then retrieval speed is improved, but adaptability to different item shapes and cooling requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into specialized shafts for standard items and horizontal shelves for items with special requirements such as different shapes or cooling needs. This segmentation enables the system to maintain fast retrieval for common items while accommodating diverse item types on the shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal shelves serve as a universal storage solution for multiple types of items that cannot be stored in shafts, including items with varying shapes, sizes, and cooling requirements. This multi-functional storage area enhances the system's versatility without affecting shaft-based retrieval speed.
3Productivity
If storage shafts are used for fast-moving items, then output frequency is improved, but storage capacity for slow-moving items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments storage functions by item velocity: storage shafts handle fast-moving items to maintain high output frequency, while horizontal shelves provide dedicated space for slow-moving items. This segmentation ensures that shaft capacity is not wasted on slow-moving items while shelf space accommodates items that do not require rapid retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
Different storage locations are assigned different qualities based on item characteristics: shafts provide rapid access for fast-moving items, while shelves provide stable storage for slow-moving items. This local quality differentiation optimizes both output frequency and storage capacity utilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables efficient storage and retrieval of both high- and low-output pharmaceutical packs, increasing storage capacity and maintaining high output speed by utilizing horizontal and inclined shelves in conjunction with an auxiliary retrieval system.
Implementation Method 1
several parallel storage shafts are formed on each shelf of the second row of shelves, each of which has a lock at their ends for holding and releasing piece goods lying in the storage shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a picking device with storage chutes for unit loads and a method for retrieving unit loads. A problem with known picking devices is that unit loads incompatible with storage chutes cannot be stored. The picking device according to the invention comprises a first racking system (10) with horizontal shelves (11) and at least a second racking system (20) with a plurality of shelves (21) arranged one above the other with several storage chutes (22), an aisle (30) formed between the first and second racking systems (10, 20) in which an operating device can be moved, a storage device (60, 61), a retrieval device (70), and an auxiliary retrieval device (80). The operating device (40) comprises a gripping device (50) for storing and/or retrieving unit loads onto the storage chutes.from the horizontal shelves (11) and filling into the storage shafts (22, 22'), wherein a control device (90) coupled to the operating device (40) can be controlled for retrieving consecutive identical unit goods from the horizontal shelves (11) and storing these unit goods in the storage shafts (22) and for retrieving one or more unit goods arranged on the horizontal shelves (11) and transferring these unit goods to the auxiliary retrieval device (80).