Actuated Roller Conveyor for Package Depalletizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depalletizers requiring staggered chains or different speeds consume more resources and space due to the need for multiple shafts and drive components to separate articles from pallet layers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A depalletizing system comprising multiple conveyors with actuated rollers and positioning elements to separate and singulate packages by advancing and rotating them in specific directions, allowing for efficient row-by-row separation and alignment in a single file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If staggered chains or chains operated at different speeds are used to separate articles from pallet layers, then the articles can be effectively separated and fanned out, but more shafts and drive components are required and much more floor space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple chains operating at different speeds into a single conveyor belt with rollers that can be independently actuated. This merging reduces the number of separate drive components and shafts needed, thereby reducing floor space while maintaining the article separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt incorporates rollers that can be dynamically actuated to rotate at different speeds or remain stationary based on control signals. This dynamic capability allows a single belt to perform the function previously requiring multiple static chains, reducing space requirements while maintaining separation effectiveness.
2Productivity
If staggered chains or chains operated at different speeds are used to separate articles from pallet layers, then the articles can be effectively separated and fanned out, but more shafts and drive components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent chain drives into a single conveyor belt system with controllable rollers. This consolidation reduces the number of shafts and drive components from multiple independent drives to a single integrated system, simplifying the overall device while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveyor belt with actuated rollers serves multiple functions: it conveys articles, separates rows, and can selectively accelerate or hold different sections. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple specialized chains and drive components, reducing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple conveyors with actuated rollers and positioning elements are used to separate and singulate packages, then resource consumption and space requirements are reduced, but the system requires coordinated control of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and position of packages, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic coordination of the actuated rollers and positioning elements, managing the control complexity through automated sensing and response rather than manual coordination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces resource consumption and space requirements by efficiently separating and singulating packages using a coordinated conveyor system, ensuring effective depalletization and alignment without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor belt having upstream and downstream ends... as the conveyor belt advances toward the downstream end
Implementation Method 2
Package-supporting rollers are disposed between the positioning elements. The rollers are actuated to rotate in the first conveying direction as the conveyor belt advances... to draw the pallet layer row by row from the first conveyor over the upstream end and to accelerate each row atop the rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor and a method for depalletizing and singulating packages. The conveyor comprises, in one version, a set-down conveyor on which pallet layers are deposited and conveyed, a row-separation conveyor that separates the pallet layer into spaced rows, a row-extraction conveyor that extracts a leading row of packages from the trailing rows and conveys the packages of the extracted row in a transverse direction, and a singulating conveyor that arranges the articles in a single file. The conveyor system operates by first pulling a gap in the leading row of a pallet layer when the packages cross into the row-separation conveyor. Then the row is extracted from the other rows on the row-extraction conveyor. Finally, as the packages travel on and along the singulating conveyor, they are aligned to the conveyor's outer edge and rotated, if necessary, to be properly singulated.