Warehouse Shelf Management via Frequency-Based Storage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In warehouse operations, shelves frequently used for deliveries are often remote from workbenches, leading to reduced delivery efficiency due to the long time required for trolleys to convey shelves between storage and workbench positions.
Innovation Solution
A shelf management method and device that categorize shelves as high-frequency or low-frequency based on delivery history, strategically conveying high-frequency shelves closer to the workbench and low-frequency shelves farther away, optimizing the distance between storage positions and the workbench to reduce conveyance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If high-frequency shelves are stored in remote storage positions, then more storage space is available, but the conveyance time to workbench increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating storage positions based on shelf frequency characteristics. High-frequency shelves are assigned to first storage positions (closer to workbench) while low-frequency shelves are assigned to second storage positions (farther from workbench). This creates non-uniform storage quality across different locations, optimizing conveyance time for frequently accessed shelves without compromising overall storage capacity.
2Device complexity
If all shelves are conveyed to workbench from same distance, then storage layout is simple, but delivery efficiency decreases for high-frequency shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the storage position assignment adaptable to shelf usage patterns. The system dynamically categorizes shelves as high-frequency or low-frequency based on delivery data, and automatically assigns appropriate storage positions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes delivery efficiency for high-frequency shelves while maintaining manageable layout complexity through automated classification.
3Loss of time
If high-frequency shelves are placed closer to workbench, then conveyance time is reduced, but storage space utilization may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage area into distinct zones: first storage positions for high-frequency shelves and second storage positions for low-frequency shelves. This segmentation allows optimal placement of frequently accessed shelves closer to the workbench while utilizing farther storage positions for less frequently accessed shelves, thereby reducing conveyance time without significantly compromising overall storage space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf management method and device are provided. The method comprises: controlling a conveying means to convey a first shelf to a workbench in a warehouse, the first shelf being a shelf in the warehouse; controlling, if the first shelf is one of high-frequency shelves, the conveying means to convey the first shelf to a first storage position in the warehouse, wherein the high-frequency shelves comprise a preset number of shelves subject to the highest numbers of deliveries in the warehouse; and controlling, if the first shelf is one of low-frequency shelves, the conveying means to convey the first shelf to a second storage position in the warehouse, wherein the low-frequency shelves comprise shelves other than the high-frequency shelves, and a distance between the first storage position and the workbench is less than a distance between the second storage position and the workbench. Efficiency of delivery can be improved.