Stackable Pallets with Indexing Features for Automated Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon exploration and recovery operations face inefficiencies in inventory management, with significant space and manpower consumption due to conventional storage methods that result in unstable pallet stacking, inefficient use of space, and time-consuming access to products, especially in drilling operations where deviations from plans require rapid access to various products.
Innovation Solution
A system of networked robots and automated systems, including a gantrybot, sackbot, and drumbot, with a control system that optimizes pallet arrangement based on drilling plans and real-time data, using stackable pallets with indexing features to maximize storage space and reduce personnel intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional storage methods are used, then space consumption is high, but accessibility and organization are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular pallet units with standardized dimensions and stacking capabilities. Each pallet can be independently handled by robots, allowing segmented organization of inventory that improves both space utilization and accessibility through systematic categorization and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of products onto standardized pallets with indexing features before storage. This pre-arrangement optimizes space utilization while ensuring products are readily accessible when needed, as they are already positioned and identified in advance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual inventory management is used, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs autonomous robots equipped with sensors and navigation capabilities to perform inventory management tasks independently. The robots self-navigate to product locations, retrieve items, and deliver them to required destinations without human intervention, maintaining operational flexibility while significantly reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor inventory levels, product locations, and robot positions. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of inventory management strategies, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining rapid product access through optimized routing and prioritization.
3Productivity
If pallets are stacked without indexing features, then stacking speed is high, but positioning accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Indexing features such as colored markers, RFID tags, or mechanical indices are pre-applied to pallets before stacking operations. This preliminary identification enables robots to quickly locate and accurately position pallets in the storage hierarchy, maintaining high stacking speeds while ensuring precise positioning through automated recognition and alignment.
4Productivity
If automated robot systems are introduced, then productivity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions including navigation, pallet handling, product retrieval, and delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each task, thereby increasing productivity while managing system complexity through consolidation of operations into unified robotic platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein provide a system that includes a pallet. The pallet includes a base and a support member extending from the base. The support member is configured to support another pallet upwardly adjacent to and spaced from goods on the pallet. The support member is configured with an indexing feature. The system further includes a robot including a pallet engaging member configured to engage the pallet at the indexing feature on the support member. The system further includes a control system to control the robot based on a task.