Sorting Device Movable Storage Area Re-sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic storage and sorting systems face inefficiencies in re-sorting and rearranging stacks of boxes or trays within the system, particularly in changing the order of items or transferring them between transport devices without requiring extensive detours or manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of mobile transport devices with lifting tables and grippers, along with a movable storage area, to enable the re-sorting of boxes or trays by lifting, transferring, and rearranging them within the system, allowing for flexible re-ordering and transfer between different transport devices using wireless control and embedded industrial controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stacks of boxes or trays are transferred between transport devices using conventional systems, then the transfer can be completed, but extensive detours and manual intervention are required, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A movable storage area is introduced as an intermediary between transport devices and the sorting system. This storage area can be positioned at different locations and serves as a temporary holding point, enabling direct transfers without detours and reducing the need for manual intervention in re-sorting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage area is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned to optimal locations for different transfer operations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to various sorting requirements and eliminates the need for fixed, inefficient transfer paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If the order of items in stacks is changed using conventional sorting systems, then re-sorting can be achieved, but the process requires extensive manual intervention and complex operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting process is segmented into discrete operations: stacks are divided into individual items or sub-stacks that can be independently manipulated. The movable storage area serves as a intermediate stage where segmented items can be temporarily held and reorganized before final placement, simplifying the overall re-sorting process
Solution Approach 2:
Items are preliminarily sorted and placed in the movable storage area before final placement in their destination stacks. This preliminary action allows for organized re-ordering in a controlled intermediate space, reducing the complexity of direct re-sorting operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient re-sorting and rearrangement of stacks, allowing for flexible re-ordering and transfer of boxes or trays within the system, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention or detours, thereby enhancing the overall automation and organization of storage and sorting processes.
Implementation Method 1
a gripper (142) which can be delivered to a transport device (130) and can pick up a box (101) or a stack of boxes (101) from the transport device (130)
Implementation Method 2
a lifting table (131), which is designed for receiving and transporting trays/boxes (101) or stacking trays/boxes thereof
Data Source
AI summary
System for storing and organizing materials, comprising:a storage system, at least a first layer comprising a plurality of storage locations, which are preferably arranged in rows in two horizontal directions perpendicular to one another and serve to receive boxes in stacks, at least one transport device which has a receiving area for individual boxes or stacks of boxes for or from the storage system, a transport system, in particular a rail arrangement, on which the at least one transport device is mounted so that it can be moved to and within the storage system and can be delivered for individual stacking of boxes, and a re-sorting device with at least one gripper, which is connected to the storage system via the transport system and is designed to pick up a subset of boxes or all boxes of a stack of boxes from the transport device, lift them and return them to the transport device or another transport device.