RF Tag Warehouse Handling System for Dynamic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse management systems for non-homogeneous articles are inefficient as they require operators to travel long distances due to fixed storage location allocation based on product categories, limiting flexibility and optimizing storage space usage.
Innovation Solution
A system where each article is associated with a radio frequency tag that communicates with a central station, allowing dynamic storage location assignment and optimizing picking and depositing operations by guiding operators to articles through luminous and acoustic signals, enabling random storage and improved operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed storage location allocation based on product categories is used, then storage organization is simplified, but operator travel distance increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage location assignment where articles are not permanently assigned to fixed locations based on category, but rather are temporarily stored in any available location. The system dynamically updates the database to reflect current article locations, enabling operators to pick articles from nearest available locations rather than traveling to predetermined spots, thus reducing travel distance and increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of storage location assignment from static (fixed by category) to dynamic (variable based on availability and proximity). The database stores and updates location parameters in real-time, allowing the optimal picking location to change based on current warehouse state, thereby optimizing operator routes and reducing travel distance
2Volume of stationary object
If fixed storage location allocation is used, then storage structure is simple, but storage space utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic location assignment where any storage location can hold any article type temporarily. The database dynamically tracks which locations are occupied and by what articles, allowing maximum space utilization. When an article is deposited or picked, the system automatically updates location status, enabling flexible reuse of space without rigid category-based restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
Storage locations are made universal rather than specialized for specific categories. Each location can serve multiple functions by storing different article types at different times. The system manages this universality through a centralized database that tracks current contents of each location, allowing any location to be assigned to any article needing storage or picking
3Productivity
If similar products are stored in the same location, then picking efficiency is improved, but flexibility in storage assignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines storage assignment based on current operational needs rather than static category rules. When articles need to be picked, the system queries the database for current locations and guides operators accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains picking efficiency by providing real-time location information while simultaneously enabling flexible assignment of any article to any available location
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
This system enhances operator productivity and space utilization by allowing flexible storage and quick identification of articles, reducing travel distances and optimizing warehouse space usage without compromising simplicity, speed, or accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Each article is associated with a radio frequency tag that communicates with a central station
Implementation Method 2
guiding operators to articles through luminous and acoustic signals
Implementation Method 3
guiding operators to articles through luminous and acoustic signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention describes a management system for depositing and picking nonhomogeneous articles (A) in a warehouse comprising a plurality of locations for the storage of the articles (A), characterized in that it includes a plurality of tags (T1-Tn), for example radio frequency identification labels, that can be associated with respective articles (A), each of which is stored in a respective tag identification code that can be associated at least temporarily with an article and that includes luminous or acoustic signalling means (L, S). The management system also comprises at least one central tranceiver station (R), a temporary look-up table (T) and a portable management device (P) for performing article-depositing and picking.