Warehouse Shelf Position Control for Multi-Height Article Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated warehouse systems face inefficiencies in storage due to the configuration of automated guided vehicles, which are limited to traveling on flat surfaces, leading to suboptimal use of vertical space when movable shelves have empty spaces above them.
Innovation Solution
A control device that communicates with automated guided vehicles and a host server to identify the height of articles on movable shelves and switch between moving them to first and second picking stations based on shelf height, allowing efficient removal of articles from shelves at various heights, thereby optimizing vertical storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the automated guided vehicle is configured to travel on a flat surface, then the vehicle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the storage efficiency of articles per floor area is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the transport system by enabling the automated guided vehicle to move shelves vertically in addition to horizontally. The vehicle can lift shelves to different heights and transport them between storage areas and picking stations at various levels, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space for cargo movement and storage optimization
2Extent of automation
If the automated guided vehicle lifts and moves movable shelves horizontally, then article retrieval is automated, but vertical storage space is underutilized when space is left above the movable shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vertical position of movable shelves during transport operations. The automated guided vehicle can lift shelves to optimal heights for retrieval, move them horizontally, and place them at appropriate storage levels, enabling both automation and efficient vertical space utilization through dynamic position adjustment
3Volume of stationary object
If the warehouse uses high shelves to increase storage capacity, then vertical space is better utilized, but article removal becomes difficult without additional lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The automated guided vehicle performs self-service lifting and transport operations without requiring separate lifting mechanisms at picking stations. The vehicle autonomously elevates shelves to appropriate heights, transports them to picking stations, and enables easy article retrieval, making the high shelving system self-sufficient
Data Source
AI summary
A control device according to an embodiment includes a communication unit and a processor. The communication unit is configured to communicate with a transport vehicle and a host server, the transport vehicle being configured to move a movable shelf storing an article. The processor is configured to acquire from the host server, by the communication unit, a removal instruction indicating an article to be removed; specify, based on the removal instruction, the movable shelf having a plurality of shelves for storing the article and a shelf height at which the article is stored on the movable shelf; and switch between moving, by the transport vehicle, the specified movable shelf to a first position and a second position suitable for removing an article from a second shelf higher than the first shelf, based on the specified height.