Rotating Storage Unit Loading for Automated Asset Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset loading systems in the shipping industry are static and require extensive manual human input, with limited functionality, as conveyor belt and shelving unit technologies lack dynamic operations and automated asset handling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a conveyor apparatus communicatively coupled to storage units, which reads asset identifiers and automatically rotates storage units to loading locations based on asset attributes, enabling automated asset loading and grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional conveyor belt assemblies and shelving units are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks automated operations and requires extensive manual human input
Solution Approach 1:
The storage units are equipped with automatic rotation capabilities that allow them to self-position at loading locations without manual intervention. The system reads asset identifiers and automatically rotates storage units to the correct positions, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring extensive manual human input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. Instead of workers manually positioning storage units, the system uses automated rotation mechanisms controlled by computer-readable instructions, substituting human mechanical actions with automated mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static conveyor belt assemblies are used, then the device complexity is low, but the functionality is limited and cannot perform dynamic operations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage units are designed with dynamic rotation capabilities, allowing them to change their position from static to dynamic states. The units can rotate automatically to different loading locations based on asset identifiers, transforming the system from static to dynamic operations while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is enhanced with multi-functional capabilities by integrating asset identification reading, automatic storage unit rotation, and dynamic positioning functions. This allows the same system to handle various asset types and routing requirements, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If manual asset loading operations are used, then the equipment cost is low, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically reads asset identifiers from assets on the conveyor and self-determines the correct loading locations. Storage units automatically rotate to the appropriate positions without requiring manual labor, enabling the system to perform the loading operation itself and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where asset identifiers are read and processed to determine routing decisions. This feedback loop enables automatic rotation of storage units to the correct loading locations, creating an automated control system that improves efficiency by eliminating manual decision-making and positioning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An identifier associated with one or more assets is obtained in response to a reader component reading a tag associated with one or more assets as the one or more assets traverse a conveyor apparatus. At least partially in response to the obtaining of the identifier, a storage unit of a plurality of storage units is caused to automatically rotate to a loading location to receive the one or more assets.