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.
36 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