Multi-storey Goods Storage Picking Robot Mixed Load Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-storey goods storage arrangements face inefficiencies in automating the process of creating mixed pallets by manually combining items from different pallets, which hinders seamless automation and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-storey goods storage system featuring a picking robot that operates along a picking line, automatically transferring items from one load carrier to another to form a mixed load carrier, with integrated return lines and transfer carts to streamline the process, allowing for automated pallet formation and dispatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual picking from pallets on a picking line is used to combine different objects from different pallets into mixed pallets, then flexibility in creating mixed pallets is maintained, but automation level decreases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the picking robot autonomously performs picking operations without human intervention. The robot automatically navigates to storage locations, identifies items to be picked, and places them on the appropriate mixed pallet, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical picking process with an automated robotic system. The picking robot uses automated mechanisms for item retrieval and placement, substituting human manual labor with automated mechanical and computational systems that control the picking process.
2Productivity
If a picking robot operates along a picking line to automatically pick goods from one load carrier and place them on another, then automation level increases, but the system complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The picking line is arranged vertically in the third dimension rather than extending horizontally. Multiple picking positions are stacked at different heights, allowing the robot to access multiple storage locations and create mixed pallets vertically. This dimensional change maximizes space utilization by using vertical clearance instead of horizontal floor space.
Solution Approach 2:
The picking line serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage location for items to be picked and as the workspace for the picking robot. The same vertical space accommodates both the storage of individual items and the assembly of mixed pallets, eliminating the need for separate dedicated areas for each function.
3Area of stationary object
If the picking line replaces a storage line at each level, then space utilization improves, but the flexibility of storage arrangement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the picking line's function based on operational needs. The same vertical structure can serve as active storage when items need to be stored and as an active picking workspace when mixed pallets need to be assembled. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to flex between storage and picking modes without requiring separate dedicated structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-storey goods storage arrangement comprising a plurality of levels of storage lines (12) arranged in parallel and transport lines (18) extending between opposing ends of said storage lines (12). It also comprises a plurality of picking lines (28), each picking line replacing a storage line (12) at one level at one side of a transport line (18), and a picking robot (30), each picking robot (30) operable along and over a picking line (28). A method of providing a mixed load carrier of different items stored on load carriers (14) on a plurality of levels of storage lines (12) by operating at least one picking robot (30) along a picking line (28) replacing a storage line (12) at one level at one side of a transport line (18). The picking robot (30) being arranged to pick up automatically items from a first load carrier (43) and to place automatically the items on a second load carrier (42, 44) forming a mixed load carrier.