Picking Facility Mixed-Order Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current picking facilities with both operator and robot picking operations lack efficiency in handling mixed orders with different article types, requiring complex logistics to gather target articles from multiple containers.
Innovation Solution
A picking facility configuration with distinct picking portions for operators and robots, along with a control system that manages container transport and housing, allowing for efficient sorting and shipping by performing picking operations based on order information, thereby simplifying the process of housing articles in the same container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both operator and robot picking operations are performed separately for different article types, then flexibility in handling diverse articles is improved, but operational complexity increases due to separate container management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operator picking operation and robot picking operation into a unified picking portion where both can simultaneously access the same container. This allows articles of different types to be picked from a single container by either the operator or the robot, eliminating the need for separate container management for each article type and reducing operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If target articles are housed in multiple containers according to article type, then picking accuracy for each article type is improved, but the number of containers and transport operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the container universal by allowing it to serve multiple functions: it can hold different types of articles simultaneously, and it can be accessed by both operators and robots. This multi-functional container design eliminates the need for multiple specialized containers, reducing the total quantity of containers required while maintaining picking accuracy through proper article placement.
3Productivity
If separate picking portions are provided for operator and robot operations, then task specialization is improved, but facility complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operator picking portion and robot picking portion into a single integrated picking portion. Both the operator and the robot can simultaneously access the same container and perform picking operations without requiring separate facilities. This merged design maintains task specialization through coordinated operation while significantly reducing facility complexity and space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In a picking facility, if both a first picking operation and a second picking operation are performed based on order information, a third container is transported from a housing portion to a second picking portion, a fourth container is transported from the housing portion to the second picking portion, after the second picking operation has been performed, the fourth container in which a target article has been housed by the second picking operation is transported as a second container to a first picking portion, a first container is transported from the housing portion to the first picking portion, and, after the first picking operation has been performed, the second container in which the target articles have been housed by the first picking operation and the second picking operation is transported to a shipping portion.