Cognitive rotatable item storage with automated replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional retail venues face inefficiencies in product replenishment and consumer navigation due to fixed shelving, leading to wasted time and resources for both stores and customers.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable shelving system with automated replenishment, featuring toroidal-shaped shelves and an elevator mechanism for item delivery, controlled by sensors and a controller to monitor stock levels and rotate shelves for optimal product placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fixed, front-loaded shelving displays are used, then product storage is simple and stable, but employees must manually monitor and replenish items, increasing operational time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit incorporates an elevator mechanism nested within the shelf structure itself. The elevator portion is positioned to move along the shelving portion, allowing automated replenishment without requiring external manual intervention. This nested design integrates the automation function directly into the storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service replenishment where the shelving unit automatically detects when items are low and uses its own integrated elevator mechanism to transport replacement items from storage areas to the display shelves. This eliminates the need for employees to manually monitor and restock products.
2Ease of operation
If fixed shelving is used, then structural stability is maintained, but consumers must physically move to each product location, increasing time and energy expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit incorporates rotatable shelves that can dynamically change their orientation and position. The shelves are capable of rotating to bring products to the front-facing accessible position, allowing consumers to access items without physically moving to different locations. This dynamic adjustment optimizes product accessibility while maintaining structural stability.
3Productivity
If manual item monitoring and replenishment is performed, then system complexity is low, but store operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor item levels on the shelves and provide feedback to a controller. When items fall below a threshold level, the controller activates the elevator mechanism to replenish the shelves. This closed-loop feedback system automates the replenishment process, significantly improving productivity despite the added sensor and control system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An item storage system includes a shelving portion and a replenishment portion. The shelving portion includes: a first shelf having a toroidal shape with a center axis; and a second shelf having a toroidal shape that is spaced apart from the first shelf along the center axis. The replenishment portion includes: an elevator portion configured to deliver items to the first shelf and the second shelf, wherein at least part of the elevator portion is positioned in the center of the shelving portion and is surrounded by the shelving portion; and a storing portion configured to load items into the elevator portion, wherein the storing portion is positioned above or below the shelving portion.