Autonomous Vehicle Positioning for Shelf Finger Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently navigating and maintaining large warehouse spaces due to excessive travel distances and the need for maintenance access, leading to decreased throughput and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a storage and retrieval system that includes a vertical conveyor with support fingers and sensors for autonomous transport vehicles to accurately position transfer arms between these fingers, allowing for precise navigation and maintenance access zones, thereby optimizing storage aisle layout and reducing travel distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage aisles are made longer to store more goods, then storage capacity increases, but travel distance becomes excessive causing decreased throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing multi-level storage racks with automated elevators and conveyors. This allows the system to store more goods vertically rather than extending horizontal aisle lengths, thereby increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing travel distances for retrieval operations.
2Length of moving object
If the width of storage structure is increased to decrease aisle length, then travel distance decreases, but the number of storage aisles increases requiring more travel paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage aisles into integrated modules with shared access points and centralized control systems. This merging approach reduces the total number of independent travel paths needed while maintaining efficient access to all storage locations through coordinated automated guidance.
3Productivity
If automated transports are used to improve efficiency, then throughput increases, but location precision is required for accurate case picking and placing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with optical and electromagnetic sensing systems. Sensors detect markers, reflectors, and positional signals to determine the precise location of automated transports, enabling accurate case picking and placing without relying solely on mechanical measurement systems.
4Reliability
If maintenance access zones are implemented to isolate maintenance areas, then safety improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts maintenance access functionality into separate, dedicated zones that are physically or logically isolated from operational areas. This allows maintenance personnel to work on automated transports and storage systems without interfering with ongoing storage operations, improving safety while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the efficiency of storage and retrieval operations by minimizing travel distances, improving throughput, and facilitating maintenance access, thus optimizing warehouse space utilization and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sensing each of the holes with at least one sensor of the autonomous transport vehicle and outputting a signal indicating when a hole is sensed
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Method comprising:providing at least one vertical lift having at least one shelf (1000) having support fingers (1000F); providing reference datums (1620) on at least one wall (1100) adjacent the least one vertical lift, the reference datums (1620) being substantially aligned with the support fingers (1000F);sensing each of the reference datums with at least one sensor (700, 701) of an autonomous transport vehicle (110);aligning transfer arm fingers (110F) of a transfer arm (110A) of the autonomous transport vehicle (110) with spaces located between the support fingers (1000F) of the at least one shelf (1000) based on the determined location of the autonomous transport vehicle (110); and determining, with a controller, a location of the autonomous transport vehicle (110) relative to the support fingers (1000F) based on the output signal from the at least one sensor (700, 701).