Picking Station With Stationary Multi-Article Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picking systems require high expenditure on buffer spaces and conveyor devices due to complex transport and removal processes of source and target load carriers, necessitating additional intermediate storage and conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
A picking workstation with a stationary intermediate buffer storage unit and a transfer device that allows simultaneous storage and movement of multiple articles into a load carrier, reducing the need for additional buffer spaces and conveyor systems by using a single receiving device connected to a load carrier conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex conveyor system with separate upstream and downstream buffer systems is used, then the picking process can handle multiple load carriers simultaneously, but the expenditure on buffer spaces and conveyor devices increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the upstream buffer system and downstream buffer system into a single common buffer system. Instead of having separate conveyor loops for source load carriers and target load carriers, the invention uses one shared buffer area where both types of load carriers are stored. This eliminates the need for separate downstream conveyor technology and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple load carriers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The common buffer system serves multiple functions: it stores both source load carriers (to be picked from) and target load carriers (to be filled with picked articles), and it interfaces with both the picking station and the load carrier conveyor. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate upstream and downstream buffer systems are implemented, then source and target load carriers can be managed independently, but additional buffer spaces and conveyor devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines separate buffer areas into a single common buffer system that accommodates both source and target load carriers. This merging approach maintains the ability to manage different load carrier types independently through control logic, while significantly reducing the total buffer space required compared to having separate dedicated areas for each type.
3Device complexity
If a single receiving device is used for both source and target load carriers, then device complexity is reduced, but the picking process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The common buffer system acts as an intermediary that simplifies the receiving device design. Instead of needing separate receiving devices for source and target load carriers, the single receiving device interfaces with the common buffer, which then manages the separation and coordination of different load carrier types. This intermediary buffer layer absorbs the complexity of managing multiple load carrier types while keeping the receiving device itself simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a picking workstation (1) comprising a pick station (10) which has a single receiving device (3) for a single load carrier (4), wherein the single receiving device (3) can be connected to a load carrier conveyor (5) for transporting load carriers (4) between the pick station (10) of the picking workstation (1) and a storage area (6), further comprising a stationary intermediate buffer storage area (7) at the pick station (10) separate from the single receiving device (3), wherein the stationary intermediate buffer storage area (7) is designed for the simultaneous intermediate storage of several items (8) to be picked, and a transfer device (9) for moving the items (8) temporarily stored at the intermediate buffer storage area (7) together into a load carrier (4) positioned at the single receiving device (3) of the pick station (10).The invention also relates to an associated method for order picking at an order picking workstation (1).