US 12,434,908 B2
Method for distribution of storage containers in an automated storage and retrieval system
Ingvar Fagerland, Kolnes (NO); and Uwe Gruenbeck, Nedre Vats (NO)
Assigned to AutoStore Technology AS, Nedre Vats (NO)
Appl. No. 17/754,404
Filed by Autostore Technology AS, Nedre Vats (NO)
PCT Filed Oct. 28, 2020, PCT No. PCT/EP2020/080295
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Mar. 31, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/099082, PCT Pub. Date May 27, 2021.
Claims priority of application No. 20191395 (NO), filed on Nov. 22, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2022/0340361 A1, Oct. 27, 2022
Int. Cl. B65G 1/04 (2006.01); B65G 1/06 (2006.01); B65G 1/137 (2006.01); B65G 57/00 (2006.01); G06Q 10/087 (2023.01)
CPC B65G 1/0464 (2013.01) [B65G 1/065 (2013.01); B65G 1/1371 (2013.01); B65G 57/00 (2013.01); G06Q 10/087 (2013.01); B65G 2203/0258 (2013.01); B65G 2203/042 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for storing containers in an automated storage and retrieval system, the system comprising a framework structure comprising upright members, horizontal members and storage columns provided between the members; where storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns; wherein the method is performed by a control system and comprises:
defining a first storage area, wherein the first storage area comprises specific storage columns within the framework structure;
setting a first maximum weight threshold for the first storage area;
determining a total weight for all storage containers stored in the first storage area;
determining a weight for a further storage container which is to be stored within the framework structure; and
determining a storage position for the further storage container to be within the first storage area if a sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is below the first maximum weight threshold, or
determining the storage position for the further storage container to be outside of the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is above the first maximum weight threshold.
 
8. A control system for storing containers in an automated storage and retrieval system, the automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure comprising upright members, horizontal members and storage columns provided between the members; where storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns;
wherein the control system is configured to:
define a first storage area, wherein the first storage area comprises specific storage columns within the framework structure;
set a first maximum weight threshold for the first storage area determining a total weight for all storage containers stored in the first storage area;
determine a weight for a further storage container which is to be stored within the framework structure; and
determine a storage position for the further storage container to be within the first storage area if a sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is below the first maximum weight threshold, or
determine the storage position for the further storage container to be outside of the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is above the first maximum weight threshold.
 
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program which, when executed by a control system for storing containers in an automated storage and retrieval system, the automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure comprising upright members, horizontal members and storage columns provided between the members, where storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns, causes the control system to:
define a first storage area, wherein the first storage area comprises specific storage columns within the framework structure;
set a first maximum weight threshold for the first storage area determining a total weight for all storage containers stored in the first storage area;
determine a weight for a further storage container which is to be stored within the framework structure; and
determine a storage position for the further storage container to be within the first storage area if a sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is below the first maximum weight threshold, or
determine the storage position for the further storage container to be outside of the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is above the first maximum weight threshold.