Stowage Pattern Calculation for Random Object Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stowage devices are unable to effectively stow objects of multiple types with different dimensions in a random sequence within a predetermined containment area, as they lack the capability to determine optimal placement patterns and sequences.
Innovation Solution
A stowage pattern calculation device and stowage device that utilize a sequence setting unit, pattern calculation unit, and detection device to generate and execute optimal stowage patterns, allowing objects to be placed in a predetermined containment area by determining the correct sequence and position based on object dimensions and containment area constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional stowage devices are used for objects transported in random sequence, then the device complexity remains simple, but the productivity and stowage efficiency deteriorate because optimal placement patterns cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores multiple complete stowage patterns in advance, covering all possible sequences of object types. When objects are transported in random sequence, the control device simply selects the appropriate pre-calculated pattern without needing to perform real-time optimization, thus maintaining high productivity while avoiding complex real-time computation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to random object sequences by selecting from multiple pre-calculated patterns based on the actual sequence detected. The pattern selection process is dynamic, allowing the system to handle any random sequence while the underlying pattern generation remains systematic and pre-planned
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complete patterns are pre-calculated for all possible sequences, then the adaptability to random sequences improves, but the loss of time for pattern calculation and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
All complete patterns for every possible object sequence are pre-calculated and stored in advance. This shifts the computational burden to an offline phase, allowing the system to quickly select from pre-existing patterns during actual stowage operations without time-consuming real-time calculation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of calculating unique patterns for each random sequence encountered, the system creates a comprehensive library of complete patterns that covers all possible sequences. The actual stowage process then copies or selects from these pre-existing patterns rather than generating new ones, saving significant calculation time
3Productivity
If objects are placed according to a predetermined sequence, then the stowage pattern can be optimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates when objects arrive in random sequence requiring sequence determination
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device monitors the actual sequence of objects arriving and provides feedback to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device selects the appropriate pre-calculated complete pattern that matches the detected sequence, enabling optimized stowage while automatically adapting to random arrivals without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the object sequence and selects the appropriate stowage pattern without requiring manual intervention. The control device self-adjusts by selecting from pre-calculated patterns based on detected sequences, maintaining both optimization and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A stowage device is equipped with a transport device that transports a plurality of types of objects in a random sequence, and a control device that sets a position of an object inside a containment area. The control device includes a complete pattern selection unit that selects a complete pattern in which an object transported by the transport device can be stowed on the basis of the type of the object and information on an object currently placed in the containment area. The control device includes a position determination unit that determines a position of an object inside the containment area on the basis of the complete pattern.