Adjustable-Flow Suction Lift Heads for Incomplete Pallet Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for handling layers of palletized goods face challenges in lifting incomplete layers with gaps or missing parcels, leading to potential dropping of goods during lifting, especially when using robots, and require improved suction ability to handle swinging movements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a lift head featuring a suction face connected via one-way valves to suction devices, allowing adjustable volumetric flow rates, controlled by control valves, and utilizing multiple suction devices for rapid adjustments to ensure secure lifting, even with gaps or film-covered goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robot technology is used for moving palletized layers, then automation is improved, but the suction ability must be significantly increased to handle swinging movements and centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suction system adjustable during operation. The volumetric flow rate of the suction device can be dynamically changed from a first value to a second value during the lifting process, allowing the system to adapt to the varying forces experienced during robotic swinging movements and maintain secure holding of the pallet layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of volumetric flow rate of the suction device during operation. By rapidly adjusting the volumetric flow rate from a first value to a second value, the system can compensate for centrifugal forces and maintain adequate suction during robotic swinging movements, resolving the contradiction between automation and suction ability
2Reliability
If the suction flow is increased to handle heavy or open pallet layers securely, then lifting reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the suction flow based on the actual lifting conditions. By changing the volumetric flow rate from a first value to a second value during the lifting process, the system provides high suction power only when needed to secure heavy or open pallet layers, and reduces suction power when full power is not required, thus maintaining lifting reliability while optimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic adjustment of the suction flow during the lifting operation. The volumetric flow rate is changed at specific moments during the lifting process rather than maintaining constant high suction, allowing the system to achieve reliable lifting while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power suction
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 apparatus ensures stable lifting of palletized goods without dropping, adapting to gaps and film-covered items by dynamically adjusting suction pressure and flow rates, enhancing lifting security and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction device providing a suction flow with a volumetric flow rate at the suction face
Implementation Method 2
the suction chamber is connected via individual one-way valves to at least one suction device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for handling layers of palletized goods. The apparatus includes a lift head with a suction face which is adapted in size for a pallet and comprises a downwardly open suction chamber which is connected via individual one-way valves and at least one pipe to at least one suction device providing a suction flow with a volumetric flow rate at the suction face. The volumetric flow rate from said at least one suction device is adjustable and arranged for rapidly adjusting the volumetric flow rate from a first value to a second value. The invention also relates to a method for operating an apparatus for handling layers of palletized goods.