Robotic Picking System Bin for Automated Liquid Removal Under Grid
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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 requires manual intervention and disrupts operations, 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 using absorbent materials or specialized bins that can be compressed to expel liquids, and optionally equipped with vacuum cleaners to facilitate efficient liquid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to remove liquids from under stacked containers, then liquid removal can be achieved, but system downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs robotic load handling devices that are already present in the storage system to automatically remove liquids. These devices self-serve by equipping themselves with absorbent bins or vacuum cleaners and autonomously navigating to liquid spill locations without requiring external manual intervention, thus maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic load handling devices perform multiple functions: they not only transport containers but also remove liquids from under stacked containers. By integrating liquid removal capabilities into existing multi-functional robotic devices, the system eliminates the need for separate manual intervention while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If the storage system continues operating during liquid spillages, then productivity is maintained, but liquid accumulation may cause harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handling devices continuously monitor and remove liquids from under stacked containers during normal storage operations. This continuous liquid removal action prevents harmful accumulation while maintaining uninterrupted productivity, as the robotic devices operate concurrently with container storage and retrieval activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect liquid spillages and provide feedback to the control system. This triggers robotic load handling devices to navigate to the spill location and initiate liquid removal operations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains system productivity while preventing liquid damage accumulation.
3Reliability
If absorbent bins are used for liquid removal, then liquid absorption is effective, but the bins require compression to expel liquids which adds operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handling device employs a pump system with a nozzle to forcibly expel absorbed liquids from the bin. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism efficiently removes liquids by applying pressure through the nozzle, eliminating the need for manual compression steps and simplifying the overall liquid removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual compression action is replaced by an automated pump system. The pump uses mechanical or electrical power to create pressure that forces liquids out of the absorbent bin through a nozzle, substituting the complex manual compression operation with a simpler automated fluid delivery system.
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 automated and rapid liquid removal from under the grid, minimizing downtime and allowing continuous operation of the storage and retrieval system without the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
urging the absorbent means against the liquid to draw the liquid into the absorbent means
Implementation Method 2
optionally equipped with vacuum cleaners to facilitate efficient liquid removal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A bin 10A 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.