Predictive Conveyor Positioning for Storage Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems lack adaptability and versatility for single-level storage operations, requiring improved methods to efficiently load and unload storage units while optimizing conveyor positioning based on predictive analytics.

Innovation Solution

A storage system that utilizes predictive algorithms to determine the optimal positioning of crosswise conveyors within the storage area based on storage unit information, dynamically adjusting storage area sizes and conveyor positions for efficient loading and unloading, incorporating a control unit with a prediction unit to anticipate storage needs and minimize conveyor movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the crosswise conveyor is repositioned frequently to adapt to different storage areas, then the adaptability and versatility of the storage system is improved, but the response time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to unnecessary movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of storage systemVSAvoidconveyor repositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The prediction unit performs preliminary analysis of storage unit information to anticipate future loading and unloading tasks. By predicting upcoming operations before they occur, the system can prepare the crosswise conveyor position in advance, eliminating unnecessary repositioning movements and reducing response time when actual tasks are executed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the crosswise conveyor maintains a fixed position, then the response time for loading and unloading is improved, but the adaptability to varying storage needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidadaptability to storage needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the crosswise conveyor position based on real-time storage unit information and predicted tasks. Rather than maintaining a fixed position or repositioning frequently, the conveyor moves only when and where needed, optimizing both response time and adaptability through intelligent, dynamic positioning controlled by the prediction unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the storage system uses detailed storage unit information for precise positioning, then the manufacturing precision of conveyor placement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor positioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical positioning control with an intelligent prediction unit that uses storage unit information to automatically determine optimal conveyor positions. This substitution of mechanical control logic with predictive analytics simplifies the control system while maintaining high positioning precision for loading and unloading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3929108A1Storage system
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 NEKOS
  • EP3929108A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3929108A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3929108A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage system (10) for loading and unloading storage units (20) stored in successive rows (25) positioned on a base (2) of a storage (1). The storage system (10) comprises at least one crosswise conveyor (11) provided with a handling mechanism (12), at least one lengthwise conveyor (13), a control unit (30) and a database (50) for storing storage unit information (21). The control unit (30) comprises a prediction unit (70) for determining a prediction of the storage units (20) to be loaded into the storage (1) and/or a prediction of the storage units (20) to be unloaded from the storage (1). The control unit (30) is configured to determine to which storage area (1a, 1b) to load and/or from which storage area (1a, 1b) to unload the storage units (20) based on the prediction.