Component Supplier Pallet Transfer Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing component supplier systems face an issue of increased size due to the need to lift and lower larger tables in an up-and-down direction, which complicates the pallet replacement process and inefficiencies in transferring pallets between standby tables and the supply position.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a first placing and withdrawing unit that moves up and down between multiple standby tables and a second lift that independently moves the first placing and withdrawing unit, allowing for efficient pallet transfer and replacement without enlarging the device's size, utilizing a second placing and withdrawing unit to manage pallets between standby tables and the supply table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single large table is used to hold multiple standby tables and perform pallet transfer operations, then the device can perform pallet replacement functions, but the device size increases and the table must be lifted and lowered which complicates the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet replacement functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pallet transfer system into two independent units: a first placing and withdrawing unit for transferring pallets between the magazine and standby tables, and a second placing and withdrawing unit for transferring pallets between standby tables and the supply table. Each unit has its own lifting mechanism, allowing independent operation and eliminating the need for a single large table that must be lifted and lowered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a vertical lifting approach (lifting a large table in the up-down direction) to a horizontal transfer approach where the first and second placing and withdrawing units operate independently at different locations. This dimensional change allows pallet transfer without requiring the entire device to be lifted or lowered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a single large table is lifted and lowered to perform pallet operations, then pallet transfer between magazine and supply position is enabled, but operational efficiency decreases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet transfer operationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pallet transfer operation into two independent units that can operate simultaneously or independently. The first placing and withdrawing unit handles magazine-to-standby transfers while the second unit handles standby-to-supply transfers, eliminating the sequential operations required by a single large table system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The independent first and second placing and withdrawing units enable continuous pallet transfer operations. While one unit is transferring a pallet, the other unit can simultaneously perform its transfer operation, maintaining continuous productivity without the interruptions caused by lifting and lowering a single large table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single large table structure is used for pallet standby and supply, then the system can function, but the complexity of lifting and lowering mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet supply functionVSAvoidlifting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lifting mechanism into two separate, smaller units: a first lift for the first placing and withdrawing unit, and a second lift for the second placing and withdrawing unit. Each lift mechanism is simpler and more manageable than a single large table lifting mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full pallet supply functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10617048B2Component supplier and component supplying method

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A component supplier of the present disclosure includes a magazine that stores pallets, a table that is provided in front of the magazine and is provided with a standby tables in multiple tiers in an up-and-down direction, a first lift that moves the table up and down, and a pallet supplier that is provided in front of the table and that includes a supply table which holds at least one of the pallets at a component supply position where the component is supplied. The table has a first placing and withdrawing unit that places and withdraws the pallet between the magazine and the standby tables and a second lift that moves the first placing and withdrawing unit up and down. The pallet supplier has a second placing and withdrawing unit that places and withdraws the pallet between the standby tables and the supply table.