Method and system for transporting inventory items
First Claim
1. An inventory holder, comprising:
- a frame;
a plurality of legs arranged to form a plurality of device openings;
a docking surface operable to engage with a mobile drive unit, wherein the mobile drive unit is configured to move through one of the plurality of device openings to a position beneath the inventory holder and the mobile drive unit is further configured to lift the inventory holder from beneath the inventory holder;
a holder identifier uniquely identifying the inventory holder; and
wherein the docking surface comprises a surface operable to engage with a high-friction portion of a docking head of the mobile drive unit.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An inventory holder, comprising:
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a frame; a plurality of legs arranged to form a plurality of device openings; a docking surface operable to engage with a mobile drive unit, wherein the mobile drive unit is configured to move through one of the plurality of device openings to a position beneath the inventory holder and the mobile drive unit is further configured to lift the inventory holder from beneath the inventory holder; a holder identifier uniquely identifying the inventory holder; and wherein the docking surface comprises a surface operable to engage with a high-friction portion of a docking head of the mobile drive unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system, comprising:
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a mobile drive unit comprising one or more actuators; and an inventory holder, the inventory holder comprising; a support structure forming a plurality of device openings, wherein the number of device openings correspond to a number of sides of the inventory holder and are configured such that the mobile drive unit is operable to move through a first of the plurality of device openings to position itself substantially beneath the inventory holder; a docking surface located on a lower planar surface of the inventory holder, wherein the docking surface comprises a surface operable to engage with a high-friction portion of a docking head of the mobile drive unit; and a holder identifier uniquely identifying the inventory holder. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system, comprising:
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a mobile drive unit comprising one or more actuators; and an inventory holder, the inventory holder comprising; a support structure forming a plurality of device openings, wherein the number of device openings correspond to a number of sides of the inventory holder and are configured such that the mobile drive unit is operable to move through a first of the plurality of device openings to position itself substantially beneath the inventory holder; a docking surface located on a lower planar surface of the inventory holder, wherein the docking surface comprises a surface operable to engage with a high-friction portion of a docking head of the mobile drive unit; and wherein the inventory holder further comprises a fiducial marker and the mobile drive unit further comprises a position sensor configured to detect the fiducial marker. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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13. An apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of horizontal shelves coupled together by a plurality of vertical support members; a plurality of legs forming device openings that are configured such that a mobile drive unit is operable to move through a first of the plurality of device openings to position itself substantially beneath at least one of the plurality of horizontal shelves; a docking surface located on a lower planar surface of the at least one of the plurality of horizontal shelves, wherein the mobile drive unit is configured to lift the plurality of horizontal shelves by engaging a docking head against the docking surface using one or more actuators; a holder identifier uniquely identifying the apparatus; and wherein the docking surface comprises a surface operable to engage with a high-friction portion of a docking head of the mobile drive unit. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification