Storage Device Dynamic Line Selection for Transport Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intralogistics storage devices face challenges in optimizing capacity utilization of transport units, as they either assume an average or maximum extent, leading to inefficient space use and potential transport unit obstruction or underutilization of storage lines.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a measuring device to determine the extent of each transport unit and a controller to dynamically select the most suitable storage line based on available space, ensuring optimal capacity utilization by matching the unit's dimensions with the storage line's capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If transport units are stored with assumed average or maximum extent, then storage lines can be controlled without measuring devices, but capacity utilization of storage lines is reduced and transport units may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (physical gauges, stoppers) with optical measurement technology. Optical sensors detect the extent of transport units by measuring light reflection or interruption, converting physical dimension detection into an optical field measurement process. This substitution enables precise, contactless measurement of transport unit extents, allowing the storage device to dynamically adapt storage line assignments based on actual unit dimensions rather than assuming average or maximum values, thereby optimizing capacity utilization without increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical sensors continuously measure the extent of transport units on the feeding line, and this measurement information is fed back to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to dynamically determine appropriate storage lines for each transport unit, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to real-time conditions. This feedback approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurement systems while maximizing storage line capacity utilization through informed, dynamic decision-making
2Productivity
If transport units are stored with smallest possible spacing, then capacity utilization is improved, but transport units may obstruct each other and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different spacing requirements to different storage lines based on the specific characteristics of transport units being stored. Rather than applying a uniform spacing rule throughout the system, the control device determines optimal spacing for each storage line individually, considering the extent and dimensions of each transport unit. This localized approach allows the system to minimize spacing (and maximize capacity utilization) in storage lines where units fit well, while maintaining larger spacing in lines where units require more room, thereby preventing obstructions and maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the spacing between transport units variable rather than fixed. The control device continuously adjusts the spacing assigned to each storage line based on real-time measurements of transport unit extents and current storage line occupancy. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize spacing on-the-fly, reducing spacing when units are small and increasing spacing when units are large or when storage lines are densely occupied, thus balancing capacity utilization with obstruction prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device (1′) for storing transport units (3′) includes a number of transport units (3′), a number of storage lines (12a′-12g′) which are configured to store transport units (3′), a feeding line (11′) which is connected by a respective first switch point (111′) to the storage lines (12a′-12g′), a measuring device (15′) which is arranged on the feeding line (11′) and which is configured to determine a respective extent of a transport unit (3′), and a controller (16′) which is connected to the measuring device (15′) and to the first switch pointes (111′) and which is configured to select a storage line (12a′-12g′) for storing the transport unit (3′) on the basis of the extent of the transport unit (3′) determined by the measuring device (15′).