Vertical Storage and Sorting Apparatus for Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics transfer sites face challenges with large areas required for ground warehouse storage and sorting, leading to inefficiencies in temporary storage, sorting, and distribution, with high labor costs and low operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A storing and sorting apparatus comprising a conveying device and at least one storage device located over the conveying device, which can rotate and adsorb or grip articles for storage and release them for sorting, integrated with a control device to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ground warehouse storage is used for temporary storage of goods, then storage capacity is achieved, but large area is occupied (tens of thousands of square kilometers for logistics transfer sites)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based horizontal storage to vertical storage by positioning storage devices above the conveying device. Multiple storage devices are stacked vertically, utilizing the third dimension (height) to increase storage capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint of the logistics transfer site.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage devices are nested vertically one above another, with multiple storage devices stacked in a compact arrangement. This nesting approach maximizes the use of vertical space, allowing numerous storage units to be accommodated within a small ground area.
2Ease of operation
If manual sorting or semi-automatic mechanical sorting is used, then sorting function is achieved, but large area is occupied (one-fourth of the area occupied by stored goods) and high labor cost is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function and sorting function into a single integrated system. The storage devices positioned above the conveying device serve both as storage units and as sorting mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate sorting areas and reducing the overall space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage devices are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as storage units for holding goods and simultaneously as sorting devices that can release goods at different locations along the conveying device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sorting equipment and space.
3Productivity
If automatic sorting system is deployed, then sorting efficiency is improved, but large area is occupied (more than 20,000 square meters) and complex three-dimensional warehouse structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sorting system is implemented in the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. Multiple storage devices are stacked vertically above the conveying device, allowing automated sorting operations to be performed in three-dimensional space without requiring large ground area.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage devices are designed to be rotatable about a shaft, allowing dynamic positioning of storage units to different locations along the conveying device. This dynamic capability enables automated sorting without requiring fixed, space-consuming sorting infrastructure.
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
The solution enables automatic storage and sorting, reducing the space required for temporary storage, improving labor efficiency, and lowering costs by eliminating the need for manual sorting and specialized sorting devices.
Implementation Method 1
the storage device is configured to adsorb and store the articles conveyed on the conveying device by adsorption force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a storage and sorting method and apparatus, a control device and a storage medium, and relates to the field of logistics. The storing and sorting apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a conveying device configured to convey articles; and at least one storage device, wherein the storage device is located over the conveying device, and is configured to obtain and store the articles conveyed on the conveying device in a storage phase, and release the stored articles to the conveying device in a sorting phase.