Intermediate Buffer Pallet Detection for Automated Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to reliably supply empty pallets for transporting processed articles to the next manufacturing process, hindering smooth production workflows.
Innovation Solution
An article transport system and method that includes a transport robot, an intermediate buffer with pallet accommodation sections, and a transport request unit to identify and supply empty pallets to processing machines, ensuring reliable pallet availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated guided vehicles and stockers are used to transport pallets, then automation level increases, but reliable supply of empty pallets to processing machines cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate buffer is equipped with sensors that detect the presence or absence of articles on pallets in real-time. This detection information is fed back to the control unit, which automatically requests transport robots to retrieve empty pallets when needed, ensuring reliable supply without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic pallet management where the intermediate buffer autonomously monitors its own pallet status and triggers retrieval operations through the transport robot system, eliminating the need for external monitoring and manual pallet exchange
2Device complexity
If manual pallet management is used, then system complexity decreases, but manufacturing efficiency and smooth workflow deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet management function is segmented into independent modular components: intermediate buffer with detection capabilities, transport robots for movement, and control unit for coordination. This modular architecture maintains manageable complexity while enabling automated high-efficiency operations
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate buffer serves as an intermediary between processing machines and the transport robot system. It automatically manages pallet status detection and triggers retrieval operations, bridging the gap between manufacturing needs and automated transport without requiring direct complex integration
Data Source
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AI summary
An article transport system (ST) includes: a processing machine (M1); a pallet (3) on which an article (5) processed by the processing machine (M1) is placed; a transport robot (R) configured to transport the pallet (3); a transport request unit (91) configured to make a transport request to the transport robot (R) for transporting the pallet (3) to the processing machine (M1); and an intermediate buffer (1) including a pallet accommodation section (11P) which accommodates the pallet (3), in which the pallet (3) is inserted and from which the pallet (3) is retrieved, and configured to determine whether the article (5) is placed on the pallet (3), and to transmit a determination result to the transport request unit (91). The transport request unit (91) is configured to designate the pallet (3), which is to be transported by the transport robot (R) in the transport request, as an empty pallet (3) determined to have no article (5) placed thereon, among the pallet (3) accommodated in the intermediate buffer (1).