Tilting Access Station Layout for Ergonomic Container Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access stations for automated storage and retrieval systems are inefficient due to the need for wide spaces for conveyor installation, which is cumbersome and takes up valuable space, especially when using tilted conveyors for ergonomic picking, and they do not accommodate both human and robotic pickers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible access station with a tilting device that can adjust the angle of storage containers in the picking zone, allowing for ergonomic benefits with human pickers while optimizing throughput with robotic pickers, and featuring a compact design with a U-shaped path that requires less space, compatible with automated storage and retrieval systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tilted conveyors are used for ergonomic picking, then picking comfort for human operators is improved, but space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system employs dynamic tilting capability where the conveyor surface can be adjusted between tilted and horizontal positions. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs - tilted position for ergonomic human picking and horizontal position for robotic picking or space optimization, thereby resolving the contradiction between picking comfort and space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor's tilting angle is changed as a variable parameter rather than being fixed. By adjusting the tilting parameter dynamically, the system can optimize for human ergonomics when needed while minimizing space usage in other configurations, thus resolving the trade-off between picking comfort and space requirements
2Ease of operation
If tilted conveyors are installed, then ergonomic picking is enabled, but installation becomes cumbersome and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with dynamic tilting capability that can be adjusted during operation rather than requiring permanent tilted installation. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining ergonomic benefits during human picking operations, resolving the contradiction between ergonomic picking and ease of manufacture
3Adaptability or versatility
If the access station accommodates both human and robotic pickers, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system dynamically adjusts its tilting state based on the type of picker in use. For human pickers, it tilts to provide ergonomic access; for robotic pickers, it returns to horizontal position. This dynamic adaptation enables versatility for both picker types while managing system complexity through a single adjustable mechanism rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The access station is designed with multi-functionality to serve both human and robotic pickers using the same conveyor infrastructure. The conveyor's ability to change its tilting state allows it to perform different functions for different user types, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns an access station (3) for picking storage containers (106), comprising: • - a picking zone (4), • - at least one conveyor (8,9,21,22) arranged to transport storage containers (106) from an entry position (6) through said picking zone (4) and to an exit position (7), wherein the access station (3) comprises: • - at least one tilting device (13) arranged to tilt a storage container (106) at least in the picking zone (4). The invention further relates to a method for operating such an access station and an automated storage and retrieval system comprising such an access station.