Robotic Grid Storage for Unified Order Container Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale order processing systems face inefficiencies in handling and storage of containers, particularly in fully or semi-automated systems, leading to extensive conveyor systems and increased costs due to the need for separate handling and sortation systems for storage and delivery containers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unified storage and retrieval system that uses a grid or racking configuration to store both storage and delivery containers, with robotic load handlers accessing all containers within the system, and utilizing a single type of container for both storage and delivery that is strong, durable, and lightweight, allowing for efficient handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate order sortation and handling systems are used for storage and delivery containers, then container handling can be performed, but device complexity and floor space usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage container system and delivery container system into a single unified storage and retrieval system. Both container types are stored in the same grid structure and accessed by the same robotic load handlers, eliminating the need for separate sortation systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full handling capability for both container types
Solution Approach 2:
The unified storage and retrieval system performs multiple functions: it stores both storage containers and delivery containers, retrieves both types, and handles order fulfillment operations. The robotic load handlers are designed to universally access and manipulate both container types within the same system, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized systems
2Ease of operation
If separate order sortation and handling systems are used for storage and delivery containers, then container handling can be performed, but floor space usage increases by 70-80%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines storage and delivery container operations into a single physical footprint. The unified system uses one grid structure and one set of robotic load handlers to manage both container types, reducing floor space requirements by 70-80% compared to having separate dedicated systems for each container type
3Productivity
If extensive conveyor systems are used for transport and sortation, then multiple containers can be assembled for orders, but equipment investment and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the extensive conveyor systems traditionally used for transporting and sortation of order containers. By using a unified storage and retrieval system with robotic load handlers that can directly access and manipulate both storage and delivery containers, the system removes the intermediary conveyor infrastructure while maintaining the ability to assemble multiple containers for complete orders
4Productivity
If a single type of container is used for both storage and delivery, then handling efficiency improves, but container strength and durability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal container design that serves both storage and delivery functions within the unified system. This universal container is engineered with enhanced strength and durability to withstand the rigors of automated handling, stacking, and transportation, while its standardized design enables efficient manipulation by robotic load handlers and improves overall handling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets are disclosed for fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. The disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.