Method and System for Transporting Inventory Items
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.
-
Citations
52 Claims
-
1-32. -32. (canceled)
-
33. A method for transporting inventory holders, comprising:
-
moving a mobile drive unit beneath an inventory holder, wherein the inventory holder comprises a frame and a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are arranged to form at least one device opening that allows the mobile drive unit to move under the inventory holder; lifting the inventory holder with the mobile drive unit; and moving the mobile drive unit while the inventory holder is lifted. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
-
- 39. The method of claim 39, wherein the holder sensor comprises an image capture device.
-
41. A system comprising:
-
an inventory holder comprising a plurality of vertical support members that form at least one device opening; and a mobile drive unit operable to; move through one or more of the at least one device openings of the inventory holder; move to a position under the inventory holder; align with the inventory holder by adjusting the position; and couple with the inventory holder at an adjusted position. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
-
-
47. An apparatus, comprising:
-
a drive module comprising a plurality of wheels; a housing that seats the drive module; and a control module that is controllably coupled to the drive module and operable to; move the housing through at least one device opening formed by a plurality of support members of an inventory holder; move the housing to a position under the inventory holder; adjust the position of the housing to align the housing with the inventory holder; and enable an actuator to couple the housing with the inventory holder at an adjusted position. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
-
Specification