AGV Palletizing Conveyor Combined Load Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming combined load units are limited by the need for depalletizing and repalletizing of homogeneous products, which require significant space, manual handling, and are not versatile enough to handle different product types, leading to inefficiencies and potential product damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize automated guided vehicles and modular chain conveyor belts to directly form combined load units from products of different types without the need for depalletizing or repalletizing, using palletizing conveyors and storage areas to manage product layers efficiently, reducing the need for additional equipment and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If depalletizing and simultaneous layer palletizing are performed using traditional devices, then combined load units can be formed, but significant space is required for both the depalletizer-palletizer installation and storage of treated load units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depalletizing and palletizing operations into a single integrated system. The AGV serves as both the transport vehicle and the palletizing platform, eliminating the need for separate depalletizer-palletizer installation space and storage areas for treated load units. The conveyor belt system on the AGV performs both functions sequentially in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a transport vehicle and a mobile palletizing platform. The conveyor belt system can handle multiple product types and configurations, making the system adaptable to various combined load unit requirements without requiring additional specialized equipment or space.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual treatment is used to remove plastic film or straps from load units, then the load units can be processed, but the process requires considerable time and manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical treatment with an automated cutting device mounted on the AGV. This device uses mechanical cutting mechanisms to automatically remove plastic film or straps from load units during transport, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual processing while maintaining the ability to handle various packaging types.
3Productivity
If traditional depalletizing devices are used, then homogeneous load units can be processed, but the process is not reliable with certain types of products and may involve risks of damaging the products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic and adjustable cutting device mounted on the AGV that can adapt to different product types, packaging materials, and load unit configurations. The cutting mechanism can be adjusted in real-time to accommodate various product characteristics, ensuring reliable processing without product damage while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the cutting device to accommodate different product types and packaging materials. By adjusting cutting parameters such as blade position, cutting depth, and cutting angle, the system can reliably process diverse load units without risking product damage, thereby maintaining high productivity across different product categories.
4Productivity
If depalletizing and subsequent palletizing are performed separately, then the process can be completed, but additional equipment and space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines depalletizing and palletizing operations into a single integrated process on the AGV. The conveyor belt system performs both functions sequentially, eliminating the need for separate depalletizing equipment and palletizing equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for the formation of combined load units (70) consisting of product packages of different types comprising one or more palletizers (PI, P2, P3), and an automated guided vehicles (40), an inlet conveyor (60) of single product layers, at least one palletizing conveyor (30), provided with at least one conveyor belt (32), a manipulator (80) provided with a device for moving layers (81) suitable to move a complete layer or a portion of layer of product packages, to at least one warehouse (20) for storing low-rotation products; methods for the formation of combined load units (70) by means of the apparatus (10) are also provided.