Transfer Device With Automatic Bobbin Lifting And Sensor Centering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual lifting of high-load bobbins poses a risk of fall accidents, necessitating multiple workers and unsafe working conditions.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device equipped with a barcode reader, fork unit, traveling drive unit, and control unit for automatic centering and lifting of bobbins, utilizing sensors and motors to ensure precise and safe handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation of lifting a bobbin using a hoist and string is performed, then the lifting function is achieved, but there is a risk of fall accident and dangerous work conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual operation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical lifting system (hoist and string) with an automated robotic system featuring a robot arm equipped with sensors and control units. The robot automatically detects the bobbin position using sensors, calculates the lifting trajectory, and executes the lifting operation without human intervention, thereby eliminating fall accidents and dangerous manual operations while maintaining lifting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If two or more workers perform the lifting work, then the safety risk is reduced, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service automated system where the robot arm autonomously performs the entire lifting operation. The system includes automatic bobbin detection through sensors, automated trajectory calculation, and self-executed lifting without requiring multiple workers or complex coordination, thereby maintaining safety while reducing operational complexity to a single automated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated lifting system is implemented, then worker reduction and safety enhancement are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker reductionVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional robotic system that integrates multiple capabilities into a single device: bobbin detection through various sensors, trajectory calculation through control algorithms, lifting execution through the robot arm, and adaptive adjustment based on real-time feedback. This universal system replaces multiple workers and performs all lifting operations autonomously, achieving worker reduction and safety enhancement while consolidating complexity into one integrated automated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4349744B1Transfer device comprising automatic lifting unit
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4349744B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4349744B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3a
  • EP4349744B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a transfer device comprising an automatic lifting unit, which provides a transfer device comprising: a barcode reader for reading a barcode attached to a box accommodating a bobbin loaded with raw materials; a fork unit chucking the bobbin in the X-axis direction corresponding to the width direction or the lateral direction, and provided with a distance sensor for sensing a distance to the bobbin, and a chucking sensor for sensing the bobbin chucking; a traveling drive unit connected to the fork unit at the top of the fork unit, elevating the fork unit in the Z-axis direction corresponding to the height direction or the elevating direction, and moving the fork unit in the Y-axis direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction or the traveling direction; and a control unit for controlling Z-axis centering of the fork unit in conjunction with the barcode reader and the distance sensor, X-axis centering of the fork unit in conjunction with the chucking sensor, and Z-axis elevation and Y-axis movement of the fork unit, respectively, to automatically control lifting of the bobbin.