Adjustable Tray Stacker/Destacker for Variable Tray Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacker/destacker systems are inflexible and require custom components for non-standardized trays, increasing costs and reducing productivity when handling trays of different sizes and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable stacker/destacker assembly with a conveyor system featuring adjustable rails and independently adjustable arms, catch-arm subassemblies, and a stop-and-crowd subassembly to accommodate trays of varying dimensions and sizes without the need for custom components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacker/destacker systems use built-to-size components for specific standardized trays, then the stacking/destacking function is effective, but the system complexity and cost increase when accommodating non-standard or multiple tray sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable arm lengths and positions, variable conveyor speeds, and reconfigurable guide members that can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate different tray sizes and dimensions. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for fixed built-to-size components while maintaining effective stacking and destacking operations across multiple tray configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The stacker/destacker system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple tray types and sizes through adjustable parameters. The conveyor system, lift mechanism, and guide members are configured to work with various tray dimensions, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions without requiring tray-specific custom components
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are reconfigured to accommodate non-standard trays, then versatility improves, but productivity decreases due to cumbersome reconfiguration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-configurable adjustment mechanisms that allow rapid reconfiguration between different tray types. Guide members, arm positions, and conveyor settings can be pre-adjusted to match specific tray dimensions, enabling quick changeovers without time-consuming manual reconfiguration and maintaining high productivity levels
3Reliability
If custom components are manufactured for non-standard trays, then the stacking function is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal, adjustable components that can be configured for different tray types without requiring custom-manufactured parts. The standardized adjustable mechanism maintains reliable stacking functionality across various tray dimensions while eliminating the need for expensive custom component manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies, systems, and methods for stacking, destacking, or stacking and destacking a plurality of trays that includes a conveyor having a first rail and a second rail; a lift subassembly configured to stack or destack a plurality of trays having predetermined dimensions, the lift subassembly comprising a first set of arms slidably coupled to a lift plate; a second set of arms slidably coupled to the lift plate; and a bracket configured to slidably couple the lift subassembly to the first rail and the second rail, wherein the first rail, the second rail, or the first and second rails are adjustable along the bracket of the lift subassembly to correspond to the predetermined dimensions of the plurality of trays, and wherein each of the first and second sets of arms are independently adjustable to correspond to the predetermined dimensions of the plurality of trays.