Automated Transport System for Material Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual transport of material units in material processing facilities often results in damage and material loss due to handling errors, leading to incorrect quantities and scrap generation.
Innovation Solution
A transport system featuring a container with compartments and a loading device that allows for automatic and gentle transfer of material units between a carrier plate and the container, using conveyor belts and positioning devices to prevent damage, with optional additional drives and markings for traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual transport of material units is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but material units are damaged and material is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated conveyor belt system that gently transports material units. The conveyor belts provide controlled, damage-free transport while maintaining material integrity, eliminating the need for manual gripping and placing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate conveyor belts as mediators between the weighing device and the mixing facility. These conveyor belts serve as a gentle transfer mechanism that moves material units without direct contact or mechanical stress, preventing damage while enabling automated transport.
2Loss of substance
If manual handling of material units is used, then adaptability to different processes is maintained, but material loss and scrap generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transport system into multiple functional components: a carrier plate for holding material units, conveyor belts for gentle transport, and positioning devices for precise placement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently while minimizing material loss and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is designed with universal components that can handle different types of material units (bags, containers) through standardized conveyor belt mechanisms. The system provides multi-functional capability for loading, transporting, and positioning various material units without requiring complex specialized equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated transport system is implemented, then material handling precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is designed to automatically position and transfer material units using the carrier plate and conveyor belts without requiring complex external control systems. The system performs self-service functions through coordinated movement of the carrier plate and conveyor belts, achieving precise material placement while minimizing control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a transport system includes a container with a plurality of compartments and a loading device configured to load and/or unload the compartments, wherein the loading device includes a carrier plate configured to transport the material unit to the container and/or from the container and wherein each of the compartments has a floor configured to receive the material unit from the carrier plate or to transfer the material unit to the carrier plate.