Automated Part Palletizing Using Detected Storage Area Availability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for palletizing parts processed in a processing machine require manual intervention and are not fully automated, leading to inefficiencies and dependencies on program runs, which limits the optimization of storage space and flexibility in sorting and placement of parts.

Innovation Solution

A fully automated method for palletizing parts using a gripping device that records and evaluates available storage space with detection devices, allowing for optimized and space-saving placement of parts independently of program runs, with the ability to sort and adjust based on parameters like geometry and material data, and allowing for continuous operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual intervention is used for palletizing, then flexibility in handling different part types is improved, but productivity and automation level deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling different part typesVSAvoidproductivity and automation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses detection devices to automatically identify parts and their parameters, with the control device autonomously determining storage locations and executing palletizing operations without manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself across different part types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to different part types by detecting and evaluating parameters such as geometry, material data, and physical properties, then adjusting storage location selection and palletizing strategy based on these parameter variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If storage space is not evaluated before palletizing, then palletizing speed is improved, but storage space utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepalletizing speedVSAvoidstorage space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device records and evaluates available storage space in advance before the gripping device places parts, allowing the control device to pre-determine optimal storage locations and maximize space utilization without delaying the palletizing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors storage area availability and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust storage location selection, ensuring optimal space utilization while maintaining efficient palletizing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If palletizing is dependent on program runs, then process coordination is improved, but production flexibility and continuity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess coordinationVSAvoidproduction flexibility and continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates palletizing operations from program run dependencies by using an independent detection and control mechanism that can operate autonomously, allowing palletizing to proceed independently while maintaining coordination through shared control device communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If manual operator intervention is required for program changes, then program control accuracy is improved, but production stops and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram control accuracyVSAvoidproduction stops and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically adjusts palletizing parameters and storage location selection when program changes occur, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and preventing production stops while maintaining accurate control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3514639B1Method of palletizing of machined parts in a processing machine

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for palletizing parts (30) in one or more unloading areas (54) assigned to a processing machine (11), wherein the part (30) being processed in the processing machine (11) is moved into the unloading area (54) by means of a gripping device (28) and positioned at a storage location on a storage surface (56) in the unloading area (54), wherein, before or during the transfer of the part (30) into the unloading area (54), the storage surface (56) available in the unloading area (54) is detected by at least one detection device (35, 36), and the detected data about the available storage surface (56) is forwarded to a data processing device in a control device of the processing machine (11).In the data processing unit, the recorded data on the available storage area (56) is evaluated with at least one parameter of the part (30) to be palletized by a palletizing algorithm, and the storage location on the storage area (56) is determined, and the gripping device (28) is moved by the control unit to the determined storage location within the unloading area (54), and the part (30) is placed on the storage area (56) or on an already palletized part (30).