Puzzle-Based Mobile Storage Layout for Fast Dense Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for small and medium-sized stores are costly and complex, requiring significant space and labor for order picking, with prior art systems being unsuitable for flexible and cost-effective solutions for conveying storage devices on a floor area.
Innovation Solution
A compact, flexible storage system utilizing autonomously driven wheels and a two-dimensional puzzle-based configuration of transportation assemblies, each equipped with multiple autonomous rolling devices connected to a central control unit for efficient reconfiguration and minimal space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If large-scale storage systems with robots running on grid structures are used, then storage capacity and automation are improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage facility into multiple independent levels, each with its own autonomous mobile robots. This segmentation allows each level to operate independently with simpler control systems, avoiding the need for a single complex centralized grid structure while maintaining high automation across the entire facility.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile robots are equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, sensors, and onboard computing to independently determine their positions, plan routes, and execute tasks without requiring external guidance infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control systems and grid structures.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional warehouse layouts with fixed shelving are used, then structural stability is maintained, but space utilization and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed shelving with mobile robots that can dynamically reposition storage containers based on demand. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize space utilization by placing frequently accessed items closer to pickup points while maintaining structural stability through the robots' controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If more storage containers are stacked in columns, then storage capacity increases, but retrieval time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual retrieval operations with autonomous mobile robots that automatically transport storage containers from storage locations to pickup points. This substitution of mechanical automation for human labor dramatically reduces retrieval time while enabling increased storage capacity through efficient vertical stacking and robot-mediated access.
4Area of stationary object
If puzzle-based storage systems with mobile platforms are used, then space efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robots are designed as universal platforms that can perform multiple functions: transporting storage containers, repositioning themselves, navigating autonomously, and interfacing with various container types. This multi-functionality achieves space-efficient puzzle-based configurations without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system handling storage devices on a floor area while occupying minimal floorspace, comprising a set of transportation assemblies, each adapted for conveying one or more storage devices, and arranged together in a two-dimensional compact puzzle-based configuration. Each transportation assembly comprises a transportation body, at least four autonomous rolling devices connected to the transportation body, each rolling device comprises driving means, communication means, and sensors for autonomous operation when controlled by a central controller unit comprised in the storage system, where the central control unit comprises a computer program product for arranging and re-arranging the set of transportation assemblies in the two-dimensional compact puzzle-based configuration according to position information of each transportation body stored in a database connected to the central control unit and control commands transmitted to the rolling devices.