Robotic Drive Unit Item Retrieval and Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current warehouse environments face inefficiencies in item retrieval for order fulfillment, as human workers manually collect and package items, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially in large fulfillment centers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing robotic drive units that can transport storage units to align and transfer containers holding ordered items into a carrier storage unit, allowing for efficient item retrieval and packaging in a single trip to a shipping preparation station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If human workers manually collect and package items in large fulfillment centers, then item retrieval can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidtime for item retrieval and packaging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic drive unit autonomously navigates to storage locations, identifies containers with ordered items, and transports them to the shipping preparation station without human intervention. The system self-manages the entire retrieval process from storage to packaging area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual human labor with an automated robotic drive unit that uses sensors, navigation systems, and automated transport mechanisms to retrieve items, substituting the mechanical action of human workers with an automated mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple items are retrieved in separate trips by human workers, then each item can be carefully packaged, but the overall process requires multiple trips and increases time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of items retrieved per tripVSAvoidtotal time for multiple trips

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic drive unit consolidates multiple item retrieval operations into a single trip by transporting multiple containers with different ordered items simultaneously to the shipping preparation station, merging separate retrieval tasks into one efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares multiple containers for transport in advance by identifying and locating them at storage positions before the retrieval trip, allowing the robotic drive unit to efficiently collect multiple items in one journey without delays during transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If human workers manually transport items from storage to packaging station, then flexibility in handling different items is maintained, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic drive unit independently performs navigation, container identification, and transport operations without requiring human workers to physically move items, automating the entire process from storage location to shipping preparation station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10710806B2Item retrieval using a robotic drive unit

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments that may facilitate transferring an item to a receptacle using a conveyor and a robotic drive unit. The robotic drive unit moves to be proximate to a receptacle. The robotic drive unit can align an item with the receptacle. The item can be transferred to the receptacle via the conveyor.