Standardized Shipping Tray for Stable Automated Order Packing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently and economically packing multiple varied objects for shipping, particularly when using programmable motion devices, due to issues with objects having low pose or position authority, and the need for accommodating objects within the confines of a shipping container without manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A standardized shipping tray with raised protrusions on the bottom panel and flexible side panels that inhibit object movement, combined with a programmable motion device and computer processing system to manage object placement and shrink wrapping, ensuring precise loading and secure containment of objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated systems are used to pack multiple objects into a box, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but the system encounters difficulties with objects having low pose authority or low position authority, and must accommodate avoiding contact with inside surfaces of box walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking efficiencyVSAvoidobject placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing protrusions on the bottom panel of the shipping tray before objects are placed. These protrusions pre-establish reference surfaces that guide object placement and prevent rolling or shifting, allowing automated systems to reliably pack objects without manual intervention even when objects have low pose or position authority

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses protrusions as an intermediary element between the shipping tray bottom panel and the objects. These protrusions act as mediators that provide stable reference surfaces for object placement, enabling automated motion devices to accurately position objects without directly manipulating the objects themselves, thus solving the problem of low pose/position authority

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standardized shipping trays with geometrical features are used, then ease of operation and automation are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for computer processing systems to store and utilize tray geometrical information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated loading easeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating standardized shipping trays with consistent geometrical features (protrusions, raised portions) that can be used across multiple automated packing operations. The computer processing system stores information about these standardized features, allowing the same tray design to be universally recognized and utilized by automated motion devices, reducing the need for custom solutions for each packing task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12492036B2Systems and methods for providing shipping of orders in an order fulfillment center

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A standardized shipping tray is disclosed for use in an order fulfillment system. The standardized shipping tray includes a bottom panel that includes raised portions that assist to inhibit rolling on an object within along the bottom panel, and at least two flexible side panels that are adapted to fold inward under a force of a wrapping.