Warehouse Conveyance Coordination for Automated Vehicle Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution systems lack efficiency in utilizing automatic driving vehicles for product delivery, as they do not provide a clear method for integrating these vehicles into the delivery process.
Innovation Solution
A distribution system that includes an automatic conveyance device in the warehouse and an automatic conveyance device server for managing operations via wireless communication, which transmits release and loading instructions to facilitate the automatic pickup and loading of products onto delivery vehicles, enabling efficient automatic driving capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual product collection and loading processes are used at relay stations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but delivery efficiency and automation level are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic conveyance device autonomously performs product collection, transport, and loading operations without human intervention. The device receives release instructions from the server, automatically picks up products from storage locations, navigates to the delivery vehicle, and performs loading, thereby enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual labor in the distribution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated conveyance system that uses wireless communication, automatic navigation, and automated loading mechanisms. The mechanical system is substituted by an integrated automated device that combines navigation, product handling, and loading functions, reducing reliance on human-operated mechanical processes.
2Productivity
If automatic driving vehicles are integrated into the distribution system, then delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic conveyance device is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs multiple operations: receiving release instructions via wireless communication, navigating to product storage locations, picking up products, transporting them to the delivery vehicle, and performing loading. This universal device consolidates multiple functions into a single system, managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages the automatic conveyance device through wireless communication. The server sends release instructions and receives completion notifications, coordinating the automated operations without requiring direct human intervention. This intermediary layer simplifies the interface between the control system and the automated execution device.
3Speed
If automated product release and loading processes are implemented, then operational speed is improved, but coordination complexity between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic conveyance device operates based on feedback from the server. The server sends release instructions that trigger the device to pick up and transport products. Upon completion of loading, the device transmits completion notifications back to the server, creating a closed-loop feedback system that coordinates operations automatically and maintains synchronization between control and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The server prepares and sends release instructions in advance to the automatic conveyance device before the delivery vehicle arrives. This preliminary action allows the automated device to be ready for immediate product collection and transport, reducing waiting time and improving operational speed while maintaining coordinated timing through pre-planned sequences.
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 system allows for smooth and automated product delivery by integrating automatic driving vehicles into the distribution process, enhancing efficiency and enabling seamless communication between devices for coordinated delivery operations.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic conveyance device server configured to manage an operation of the automatic conveyance device by exchanging information with the automatic conveyance device by wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution system is linked to a delivery vehicle delivering a product stored in a warehouse to a delivery destination and includes an automatic conveyance device and an automatic conveyance device server. An automatic conveyance device server transmits a release instruction to an automatic conveyance device when receiving a request for delivery, transmits a loading instruction for loading of a product to a delivery vehicle to the automatic conveyance device when receiving loading permission, and transmits a release completion notification to a transmitter of a delivery request when receiving information indicating the releasing is completed. An automatic conveyance device picks up a designated product in a warehouse when receiving a release instruction, loads the picked-up product to a delivery vehicle standing by at a standby position when receiving a loading instruction, and transmits information indicating that release is completed to the automatic conveyance device server when loading work is completed.