Automated Warehouse Storage Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automating the flow of goods in warehouses are prone to errors and inefficiently use resources, as they require manual handling and selection of goods with varying shapes and sizes, leading to incorrect packaging and unnecessary storage of multiple carton sizes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves placing each individual item in a clearly identifiable storage container with predetermined dimensions, allowing robots to handle the containers and their contents automatically, eliminating manual handling and enabling full automation regardless of the goods' size, weight, or properties, with each item being linked to a unique storage location for precise identification and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and selection of goods is used, then flexibility in handling various shapes and sizes is maintained, but errors increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (robotic arm with gripper) that handles goods between the storage container and packaging station. This mediator enables automated processing while maintaining reliable goods selection through programmed control, resolving the contradiction between manual flexibility and automated accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses a controlled gripper mechanism. This substitution eliminates human error in goods selection while maintaining processing capability through programmable motion control, achieving both reliability and productivity improvement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple carton sizes are stored for different goods, then packaging flexibility is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the robotic system with knowledge of goods dimensions and packaging requirements. The system selects and prepares appropriate packaging materials in advance based on stored data, eliminating the need to physically store multiple carton sizes while maintaining packaging flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of packaging material selection from physical variety (multiple stored carton sizes) to informational variety (data-driven selection). The system uses parameter changes in the control system to select appropriate packaging based on goods characteristics, reducing physical resource waste while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If manual checking is performed at packaging station, then packaging accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the robotic system to perform its own verification function. The controlled gripper and positioning system automatically ensure correct goods placement in packaging through programmed precision, eliminating the need for separate manual checking while maintaining packaging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback control in the packaging process, where the robotic system uses sensors and control signals to verify goods placement accuracy in real-time. This automated feedback mechanism maintains packaging reliability while eliminating the time loss associated with manual inspection.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automating product flows in a warehouse, in which products are at least stored, retrieved and picked, characterised in that in each case an individual product is brought into a storage container of predefined dimensions provided with a unique identifier, and in that at least one of the storage containers with the individual product, for the purpose of storage, is brought in an automated manner in a state ready for retrieval into a container receptacle, provided with a unique identifier, of a storage device.