Warehouse Conveyance Control for Mixed Rack and Case Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current warehouse management systems face inefficiencies in conveying and storing articles due to limitations in utilizing vertical space and handling varying article sizes and weights, particularly with automated guided vehicles and case transfer units, which struggle to optimize storage and processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance control apparatus and warehouse management system that utilizes a combination of automated guided vehicles and case transfer units to manage and convey articles based on size and weight, optimizing storage by arranging movable racks and cases in a mixed manner within storage racks, enhancing storage and processing efficiency by minimizing moving distances and maximizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated guided vehicles and case transfer units are used to convey articles, then conveyance automation is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveyance system into two distinct types of conveyance units: automated guided vehicles for movable racks and case transfer units for cases. This segmentation allows each unit type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels. The control apparatus further segments management by handling different article types through specialized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus is designed with universal functionality to manage both automated guided vehicles and case transfer units, as well as to handle both movable racks and cases. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single apparatus that can coordinate different conveyance methods, improving automation extent without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If articles are stored in movable racks and cases within storage racks, then storage density is improved, but the difficulty of managing different storage types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments storage into two distinct categories: movable racks for larger/heavier articles and cases for smaller articles. Both types are integrated within the same storage rack structure, achieving high storage density while maintaining manageable organization through clear segmentation. The control apparatus reflects this segmentation by assigning different conveyance units to different storage types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the storage rack are assigned different storage characteristics: movable racks in certain locations for larger articles and cases in other locations for smaller articles. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize storage density in each region while maintaining overall manageability through consistent organizational principles.
3Quantity of substance
If vertical space is utilized for storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but the complexity of space utilization optimization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal storage arrangements to vertical space utilization by storing both movable racks and cases within storage racks that extend vertically. This dimensional change dramatically improves storage efficiency by utilizing the vertical dimension of the warehouse space. The control apparatus manages this vertical arrangement through standardized protocols for accessing different vertical levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If movable racks are used for larger or heavier items, then article handling suitability is improved, but the variety of handling methods increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments article handling into two distinct methods: using automated guided vehicles for movable racks containing larger/heavier articles and using case transfer units for cases containing smaller articles. This segmentation improves article handling suitability by matching the right handling method to the right article type, while the segmentation itself provides a clear framework that prevents excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different handling methods are applied to different local regions of the warehouse based on article characteristics. Movable racks with larger articles are handled by automated guided vehicles, while cases with smaller articles are handled by case transfer units. This local quality differentiation optimizes handling suitability without creating overwhelming complexity through clear, location-based rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance control apparatus according to an embodiment includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores management information including article identification information identifying articles and storage destination identification information identifying storage destinations of the articles. The processor outputs, if a storage destination of a first article corresponding to first article identification information included in the order is a predetermined movable rack corresponding to first storage destination identification information, a first conveyance instruction to convey the predetermined movable rack, and outputs, if a storage destination of a second article corresponding to second article identification information included in the order is a predetermined case corresponding to second storage destination identification information, the second conveyance instruction to convey the predetermined case, based on the order and the management information.