Automated Carrier Bag Opening Device with Suction and Air Unfolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual opening and loading of carrier bags in automated logistics centers for order picking is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, with existing automated methods being inefficient due to insufficient bag unfolding and handling.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated method and device for preparing and opening carrier bags, involving a suction gripper to feed and hold bags, a conveyor system to transport them to an opening device, and a merging device to introduce bags into loading and transport aids, where they are opened and unfolded using a two-stage process involving suction grippers and blown air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual opening and loading of carrier bags is performed, then the bags can be properly prepared for order picking, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated devices including suction grippers, conveyors, and opening mechanisms that perform bag preparation without human intervention. The carrier bag opening device automatically unfolds bags using mechanical movement and blown air, while the suction gripper feed device automatically feeds and positions bags, eliminating manual labor entirely
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated mechanical systems. The suction gripper uses vacuum pressure to grasp and transport bags, the conveyor system uses mechanical belts to move bags through the process, and the opening device uses controlled air pressure and mechanical arms to unfold bags, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical systems
2Extent of automation
If existing automated methods are used to open carrier bags, then automation is partially achieved, but the bags are not sufficiently unfolded and the process remains inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bag opening process is divided into distinct sequential stages: first, the suction gripper feeds and positions the bag; second, the carrier bag opening device unfolds the bag using mechanical movement of the bottom section; third, blown air completely opens the bag interior. This segmented multi-stage approach ensures complete unfolding while maintaining high automation and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions to prepare bags for order picking. The suction gripper feed device pre-positions bags in the correct orientation before they enter the opening device. The opening device then performs preliminary unfolding by moving the bottom section, followed by blown air to completely open the interior. These preliminary actions ensure bags are fully prepared before reaching the picking station
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the fully automated preparation and opening of carrier bags, reducing personnel costs and increasing the efficiency of order-picking systems by allowing for the automated handling and conveying of bags along a picking route, enhancing the profitability of logistics operations.
Implementation Method 1
Feeding flat closed or compressed suspension elements, in particular from a stack of flat closed suspension elements, to holding means of a first conveyor device by means of a suspension element feed device
Implementation Method 2
opening and unfolding of the flat, closed carrying means by means of the carrying means opening device
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for the automated opening of lifting elements (2) and provision of the lifting elements (2) in loading and transport aids (3) comprises a lifting element feed device (10) for feeding flat closed lifting elements (2) to holding elements (31) of a first conveying device (30), furthermore a first conveying device (30) for conveying the flat closed lifting elements (2) held by holding elements (31) to a lifting element opening device (50), furthermore a lifting element opening device (50) for opening the flat closed lifting elements (2), in addition a merging device (70) for introducing the lifting elements (2) into the loading and transport aids (3), and a second conveying device (80) for transporting away the loading and transport aids (3) with the opened lifting elements (2) arranged in them.