Warehouse Rack Light Guidance for Accurate Item Picking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional warehouse management processes are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the difficulty in accurately determining the location of items within racks and shelves, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors, such as laser or LED sensors, to project a light beam at the precise location of items within racks based on input requests, forming an intersection point to guide workers, and an actuator to rotate the sensors for accurate item retrieval or placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual location methods are used to find items in racks, then workers can locate items, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical location methods with an automated optical system. Sensors (optical detectors) project light beams to indicate item locations, eliminating the need for workers to manually search through racks. The system uses optical fields instead of mechanical searching, achieving automatic location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light beams as an intermediary medium to transfer location information. Instead of directly pointing to items, the system projects light beams that serve as visual indicators guiding workers to item locations. This intermediary light field bridges the gap between the system's location data and the worker's physical navigation.
2Reliability
If workers manually determine location metrics, then they can find items, but the process is prone to errors and requires extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining and displaying location information through projected light beams. The location metrics are computed and presented without requiring worker intervention or manual measurement. This automation eliminates errors associated with manual location determination and reduces the need for extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual location determination with automated optical projection. Instead of workers physically measuring and calculating locations, the system uses optical sensors and projection mechanisms to automatically identify and display precise item locations, eliminating human error in the process.
3Measurement precision
If extensive training is provided to familiarize workers with location metrics, then workers can accurately locate items, but time and cost burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service location guidance through automatically projected light beams that directly indicate item positions. This eliminates the need for workers to learn complex location metrics or undergo extensive training. The system handles the measurement and presentation of location information autonomously, saving both time and training resources.
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
Enhances efficiency by reducing the time spent on item location and minimizing errors, thereby optimizing warehouse operations and lowering labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
direct a plurality of sensors placed at one or more positions of the at least one rack, to rotate and project a light beam at the shelf of the at least one rack
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for assisting a worker for managing goods within a warehouse are disclosed. The method comprises receiving, via at least one processor, at least one input request from a user; comparing, via the at least one processor, the at least one input request having an identification (ID) code with a corresponding ID code of an at least one object; determining, via the at least one processor, location information of the at least one object to be picked or placed over the at least one rack, based on the comparison; and directing, via the at least one processor, a plurality of sensors placed at one or more positions of the at least one rack, to rotate and project a light beam at the shelf of the at least one rack from where the at least one object to be picked or placed, based on the determined location information.