Robotic Bin With Integrated Liquid Removal for Automated Grid Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently removing liquids from under stacked containers following spillages or sprinkler deployments, which disrupt operations and require manual intervention, leading to downtime.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of bins with absorbent or vacuum cleaning means integrated into the storage system, allowing robotic load handling devices to rapidly absorb or vacuum up liquids, minimizing downtime by automating the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual intervention is used to remove liquids from under stacked containers, then the cleaning can be performed, but operations are disrupted and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by equipping robotic load handlers with liquid removal capabilities. The robotic load handler automatically detects liquid spillages and removes them without human intervention, allowing the system to clean itself during normal operations or downtime periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic load handler is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its primary purpose of moving containers and its secondary purpose of removing liquid spillages. This eliminates the need for separate manual cleaning operations and integrates cleaning functionality into the existing robotic system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning operations are performed, then liquids can be removed, but system efficiency is reduced due to operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handler can perform liquid removal operations continuously or during periods when no container movements are required, maintaining continuous system operation. The system transitions smoothly between container handling and cleaning tasks without complete shutdown, preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic load handler acts as an intermediary between the liquid spillage problem and the resolution, automatically detecting and removing liquids. This intermediary function eliminates the need for manual intervention and maintains system efficiency by handling cleaning autonomously.
3Productivity
If automated robotic load handlers are used for container handling, then productivity increases, but the ability to rapidly respond to liquid spillages decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect liquid spillages and automatically trigger the robotic load handler to respond. The robotic system receives real-time information about spillages and adjusts its operations accordingly, maintaining both high productivity and rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic load handler is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing it to adapt its behavior based on system conditions. When liquid spillages are detected, the system dynamically shifts priorities to address the spillage while maintaining overall operational efficiency through automated coordination.
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 solution enables rapid and automated removal of liquids from under the grid, reducing downtime and maintaining system efficiency by using absorbent or vacuum-equipped bins that can be easily integrated into existing storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each bin comprises absorbent means. The robotic load handling device conveys the bin to the liquid to be removed, and urges the absorbent means against the liquid to draw the liquid into the absorbent means.
Implementation Method 2
The bin comprises vacuum cleaning means
Data Source
AI summary
A bin is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The bin is capable of removing liquids from beneath a robotic picking system following spillages or sprinkler deployments.