Carrier-Strand Packaging Units for Automated Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting goods units into transport containers in intralogistics systems are inefficient, often requiring manual labor and are costly, and the use of plastic packaging for dimensionally unstable goods is environmentally detrimental.
Innovation Solution
A bundle comprising a carrier strand with packaging units arranged in series, allowing for controlled conveyance and efficient insertion of goods units into transport containers, utilizing degradable materials and data elements for automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual insertion of goods units into transport containers is used, then flexibility in handling different goods units is maintained, but the process becomes slow and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The goods units are organized into bundles with individual packaging units that can be separated from the bundle. This segmentation allows automated systems to handle one packaging unit at a time while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different goods types through the modular bundle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundle acts as an intermediary carrier that bridges manual packaging and automated transport. The bundle structure with carrier strand and packaging units enables automated insertion while the bundling process can be flexibly adapted to different goods types.
2Stability of the object's composition
If plastic packaging is used for dimensionally unstable goods units, then the goods units gain dimensional stability, but environmental pollution increases due to non-biodegradable material
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material parameter is changed from conventional non-biodegradable plastic to biodegradable plastic. This parameter change maintains the dimensional stability function while eliminating the environmental pollution problem, as the biodegradable material decomposes naturally after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging unit uses composite structure with biodegradable plastic material that combines the necessary mechanical properties for dimensional stability with environmental friendliness. The carrier strand and packaging unit form a composite system that achieves both functionality and sustainability.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for inserting goods units into transport containers, then productivity increases, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The goods units are pre-organized into bundles with standardized packaging units before reaching the automated insertion system. This preliminary action simplifies the automated system's task to merely separating and inserting individual packaging units, reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundle structure serves multiple functions: it protects goods units, organizes them for efficient storage, and enables automated handling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (6) for inserting goods units (3) into a transport container (8, 81) includes a module (61) for conveying a bundle (1) having a carrier strand (11, 11′) on which a plurality of packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) are arranged one behind the other in a row; a module (62) for separating packaging elements (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) from a supplied bundle (1); and a module (63) for inserting packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) separated from the bundle (1) into a transport container (8, 81).