Vertical Goods Transport Tracks for Space-Constrained Picking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing goods picking and provision systems are inefficient due to high space requirements, high operational and personnel costs, and logistical complexity, making them expensive and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A compact and space-saving arrangement featuring vertically running transport tracks, inclined transport tracks, and partially vertical conveyor tracks that allow for efficient movement and sorting of goods, reducing the need for extensive horizontal space and minimizing physical strain on personnel through automated and manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If goods are picked and provided on one level, then the arrangement is simple, but an enormous amount of space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement simplicityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-level horizontal arrangement to a multi-level vertical arrangement by introducing vertically running transport tracks and inclined conveyor tracks. Goods are transported vertically between different levels (receiving level, intermediate level, dispatch level) and horizontally along inclined tracks, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce the horizontal footprint of the facility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If all arrangement components are arranged in one plane, then the flow of goods is level, but the surface spread is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods flowVSAvoidsurface spread
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent redistributes arrangement components across multiple horizontal planes (receiving end at first level, unstacking stations at second level, dispatch end at third level) connected by vertical transport tracks. This vertical stratification maintains smooth goods flow through automated vertical transportation while dramatically reducing the horizontal surface spread required for the facility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If a storage area with shelves is provided, then goods can be stored, but an extremely stable overall construction is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidconstruction stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using extensive horizontal shelving that requires stable construction, the patent utilizes vertical transport tracks and inclined conveyor tracks to create a three-dimensional goods flow system. Goods are moved vertically between levels and horizontally along inclined tracks, eliminating the need for large horizontal storage areas and reducing the stability requirements for the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2949606B1Assembly for in sequence picking and providing of goods
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 BSS BOHNENBERG
  • EP2949606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2949606B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2949606B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement for the sequential picking and provision of goods (12, 12'), in particular cuboid-shaped unit loads such as containers, cartons or (beverage) crates, comprising a goods-receiving end (14) for receiving pallets (16) loaded with identical goods (12), at least one vertically extending transport track (28), at least one depalletizing station (30, 32) for separating the identical goods (12) from the pallets (16), a plurality of transport tracks (38) arranged above and/or next to each other, from which the separated goods (12) can be moved to one end of the transport tracks (38), a plurality of removal devices (44) at the end of each of the transport tracks (38), by which goods (12) to be picked and made available for shipment can be released from the transport tracks (38) in a computer-controlled manner, and at least one partially vertically extending conveyor. (46)at least one palletizing station (50, 52) for loading the pallets (16') with the picked goods (12') ready for dispatch, at least one vertical or substantially vertical transport track (54), and a goods-out end (18) for unloading the pallets (16, 16') loaded with picked goods (12, 12') ready for dispatch.