Carrier Alignment Elements for Mobile Pallet Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Freely movable transport devices often lack the necessary positioning accuracy to align machine pallets or zero-point clamping plates with receiving apparatuses, resulting in deviations of several centimeters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transport device with a handling device that keeps the carrier for goods in transport movable, allowing it to approach the receiving apparatus without precise alignment. The alignment is achieved through direct contact between first and second alignment elements on the carrier and receiving apparatus, respectively, before the carrier is received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a freely movable transport device is used to transport carriers, then the transport device can move flexibly on the base area, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient resulting in deviations of several centimeters between the carrier and the receiving apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment elements are introduced as intermediary components between the carrier and the receiving apparatus. These alignment elements mediate the positioning process by providing mechanical reference surfaces that guide the carrier into precise alignment with the receiving apparatus, resolving the contradiction between mobility and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment elements perform preliminary alignment action before the carrier is fully received by the receiving apparatus. By pre-establishing the correct positional relationship through the alignment elements, the system ensures accurate positioning without requiring the transport device to achieve high precision through complex control
2Stability of the object's composition
If the handling device holds the carrier firmly to prevent movement during transport, then the carrier is securely transported, but the carrier cannot be aligned with the receiving apparatus through direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device employs dynamic holding characteristics, maintaining firm grip during transport but allowing controlled movement during alignment. The system transitions between stable transport mode and flexible alignment mode, enabling the carrier to be securely transported and then easily aligned when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment elements serve as intermediaries that facilitate the transition from stable transport to precise alignment. These elements provide a mechanical interface that allows the carrier to move relative to the handling device while maintaining contact with the receiving apparatus for alignment purposes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, comprising: a transport device 100 comprising a transport vehicle 110 which can be moved freely on a base area and a handling device 150 provided on the transport vehicle 110, a carrier for goods in transport 200 which can be received by the handling device 150 and includes at least one first alignment element 220, and a receiving apparatus 300 for receiving the carrier for goods in transport 200 which can be set up on the base area or arranged on a machine set up on the base area, wherein the handling device 150 is configured to hold the carrier for goods in transport 200 in such a way that, when the carrier for goods in transport 200 is inserted and/or exchanged on the receiving apparatus 300 by the handling device 150, the carrier for goods in transport 200 is kept movable relative to the handling device 150, and the receiving apparatus 300 includes at least one second alignment element 320 which, when the carrier for goods in transport 200 is inserted and/or exchanged, is configured to interact with the at least one first alignment element 220 of the carrier for goods in transport 200 for aligning the carrier for goods in transport 200 with the receiving apparatus 300.