Storage Rack Identification Devices for Manual Article Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage racks for manually inserting and removing articles often become disorganized due to careless placement, leading to time-consuming searches for specific items.
Innovation Solution
An electronic facility with identification devices at each storage location, allowing for the identification of articles upon insertion, removal, or positioning, and connecting to a stock management computer for tracking and retrieval of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If articles are manually inserted and removed from storage locations, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information occurs as articles may be placed in incorrect locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses identification devices (barcodes, RFID tags) on articles and reading devices at storage locations to automatically detect and record article placements. This feedback mechanism tracks actual article positions and updates the management system, ensuring accurate location information is maintained even when articles are manually handled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking methods with electronic identification and detection systems. Reading devices automatically scan article identifiers and communicate with the central management system, substituting human memory and manual record-keeping with automated electronic information management.
2Reliability
If the entire rack is searched for a specific article, then reliability of finding the article is improved, but loss of time occurs due to extensive searching
Solution Approach 1:
The management system maintains real-time information about article locations through automated identification devices. When an article is placed or moved, the system is automatically notified and updates its records, providing accurate location feedback without requiring manual searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes and maintains accurate location information in the management database before any search is needed. This preliminary tracking of article positions eliminates the need for time-consuming searches, as location data is already available when needed.
3Loss of information
If identification devices are installed at each storage location, then loss of information is reduced through accurate tracking, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification devices and reading systems are designed to handle multiple types of articles and storage locations through standardized protocols. The management system serves multiple functions including tracking article positions, monitoring stock levels, and providing location queries, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage rack that includes a plurality of storage locations for manually inserting and removing articles is provided for this purpose in which an identification device is assigned to each storage location, where the identification device is designed and arranged in such a way as to identify the article when the article is inserted into the storage rack, when the article is removed from the storage rack and/or after the article has been placed in the storage rack.