Shuttle Robot Palletizing for Non-Uniform Object Stowage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current palletizing methods at logistics platforms are largely manual, inefficient, and inflexible, especially when handling non-uniform objects of varying shapes and weights, and existing automated solutions are limited by fixed infrastructure and lack of versatility.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing shuttle robots and a monitoring and control unit to identify and characterize objects, compute an optimal loading plan, and automate the palletizing process, allowing for flexible handling and efficient storage of objects on pallets with minimal infrastructure, enabling parallel pallet-forming operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual palletizing is used, then flexibility in handling non-uniform objects is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling non-uniform objectsVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated identification devices to capture images and data of objects, with the monitoring and control unit automatically computing loading plans and controlling shuttle robots to execute palletizing operations without human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in handling non-uniform objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to non-uniform objects by dynamically capturing their morphological parameters through imaging devices, computing optimized loading plans based on these parameters, and adjusting the palletizing process in real-time to accommodate varying shapes, sizes, and weights

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing automated palletizing systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but infrastructure complexity and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepalletizing speedVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the palletizing function into modular components: identification devices for object recognition, monitoring and control units for plan computation, and shuttle robots for execution, allowing each component to be independently optimized and deployed with minimal infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shuttle robots perform multiple functions including transporting objects from the feed point to the palletizing station, positioning objects according to the computed loading plan, and adapting to different object types without requiring specialized equipment for each scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If objects are palletized in batches, then operational simplicity is maintained, but optimization of stowage space deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch processing simplicityVSAvoidstowage space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring and control unit computes the optimal loading plan before the actual palletizing operation begins, analyzing all objects in the batch to determine the most efficient stowage arrangement, thereby optimizing space utilization while maintaining batch processing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses imaging devices to capture actual object morphologies and feeds this data back to the monitoring and control unit, which adjusts the loading plan to achieve optimal stowage space utilization based on real object characteristics rather than predetermined batch arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If fixed infrastructure is used for automation, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to different palletizing scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidversatility in handling scenarios

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces fixed infrastructure with dynamic, programmable components including shuttle robots that can adapt their movement patterns and positioning based on real-time object characteristics and loading plans, providing both stability through automated control and versatility through programmable flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11312584B2Method of palletizing non-uniform articles

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 SOLYSTIC

AI summary

A method of palletizing non-uniform objects comprises using shuttle robots controlled by a monitoring and control system (190) to control trolleys, each of which carries an object, from a feed point (101) to a palletizing station (140) via a device (120) for determining the morphologies of the objects so as to characterize the outside shapes of all of the objects forming a batch before the start of the operation of stowing the objects on the pallet, so as to calculate a stowage plan that optimizes stowage of the batch on a pallet (150).