Adjustable Storage Table Infeed for Mixed Package Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tables in packaging plants are inflexible and unable to accommodate packages of varying sizes and shapes, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in handling disruptions and fluctuations in processing rates.
Innovation Solution
A storage table with adaptable loading and removal means featuring adjustable conveyor channels and guide sections, allowing for flexible handling of packages of different sizes and shapes, and a device with a movable deflector mechanism to redirect packages efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage table with fixed conveyor channels is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate packages of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor channels are made dynamically adjustable through movable guide sections that can be repositioned along the channel length. This allows the same conveyor channel to adapt to different package sizes and shapes by changing its internal geometry, resolving the contradiction between fixed simple structure and flexible adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor channel is divided into multiple movable guide sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of the channel interior to match different package dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing adaptability with structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If linearly operated satellites are used for infeed and outfeed, then packages can be efficiently transferred, but the storage table cannot flexibly handle different package types
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and removal means incorporate adjustable conveyor channels with movable guide sections, allowing dynamic adaptation to different package types. This maintains ease of operation through automated adjustment mechanisms while significantly improving flexibility to handle various package configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable conveyor channels enable the loading and removal means to universally handle different package types through a single standardized interface. The movable guide sections allow the same hardware to accommodate diverse package dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized handling mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the storage table capacity is increased to handle disruptions, then production continuity is improved, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable guide sections allow the storage table to dynamically reconfigure its capacity for different package sizes. This means a smaller physical storage table can effectively handle larger volumes by optimizing the space utilization for different package types, reducing the required storage volume while maintaining production continuity during disruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage table of a packaging plant, wherein the storage table includes an infeed, an outfeed, and at least two storage lines that are loadable separately from one another and are arranged between the infeed and the outfeed. The infeed includes a loading means having a conveyor channel, wherein the loading means having the conveyor channel is designed to receive packages from a conveyor apparatus arranged upstream of the storage table and to convey the packages onwards and, in particular, to deflect the packages so that the packages can be received in at least one of the two storage lines. The loading means is designed to be adaptable, in particular as needed, in such a way that a width and/or height of the conveyor channel is adjustable at least in certain areas or sections.