Wearable Remote Control for Order Picking Truck Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of low-level order picking trucks in warehouses and distribution centers face inefficiencies due to the need to frequently relocate the vehicle, disrupting the picking process and reducing time available for stock selection, as they must physically interact with the truck's controls to move it between locations.
Innovation Solution
A wearable wireless remote control system that allows operators to control the truck's movement using a wireless transmitter and receiver, enabling the vehicle to advance automatically based on pre-defined conditions, reducing the need for constant physical interaction with the truck's controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses jog switches to relocate the truck between pick locations, then the truck can be moved without the operator stepping onto the platform, but the operator must interrupt picking and physically interact with controls, reducing time available for stock selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the truck relocation function from the manual control process and implements it through an automated system. A wearable remote control device with wireless transmitter sends signals to the truck's receiver, which then automatically controls the traction system to move the truck to the desired location without requiring the operator to physically interact with the truck's controls, thereby eliminating interruptions to the picking process
Solution Approach 2:
The truck is equipped with an automated system that performs the relocation task independently. The wearable remote control device allows the operator to initiate movement with a simple button press, and the truck's controller automatically manages the traction control system to execute the relocation, making the truck self-sufficient in performing its own positioning without continuous manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator frequently relocates the truck to complete multiple picks, then all stock items can be gathered, but the repeated relocation interrupts the picking process and reduces overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous picking operations by eliminating interruptions caused by manual truck relocation. The automated wireless control system allows the operator to maintain a continuous workflow, initiating truck movement with simple button presses on the wearable device while immediately returning to pick the next item, thereby maintaining the continuity of the useful picking action without repeated interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the operator to pre-position the truck for future picks by initiating relocation in advance. The wearable remote control enables the operator to send the truck to the next location ahead of time, and when the operator needs the item, the truck is already in position, eliminating the need for repeated relocation interruptions during the actual picking process
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of synchronizing a transmitter and a receiver in a supplemental remote control system for materials handling vehicles comprises initiating a power on sequence to enable a materials handling vehicle for operation, the materials handling vehicle having a receiver for receiving wirelessly transmitted travel commands; entering a pairing mode to synchronize the receiver and a corresponding controller on the vehicle to a select one of a plurality of wireless remote control devices, wherein the select one of the wireless remote control devices is associated with an operator of the materials handling vehicle; receiving pairing mode confidence signals at the receiver of the vehicle, wherein each pairing mode confidence signal provides a transmitter identification that uniquely identifies a corresponding one of the plurality of wireless remote control devices within range of the receiver; displaying a list of all detected transmitter identification codes ordered by signal strength; matching a known transmitter identification code associated with the select one of the plurality of wireless remote control devices associated with the operator of the materials handling vehicle with a corresponding one of the pairing mode confidence signals received by the receiver; and synchronizing the select one of the plurality of wireless remote control devices associated with the operator to the receiver and the controller of the vehicle such that the materials handling vehicle acknowledges remote travel commands from the select one of the plurality of wireless remote control devices.