Container Lifting Grip With Fluid Cushion Against Stack Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices struggle with preventing stacks of transport containers from tipping over, particularly when handling fruit and vegetables, and are limited by inaccuracies in positioning, dimensioning, and damage to containers, leading to inefficiencies and risks during order picking.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a gripping device and a counter-holding device, where the counter-holding device has an expandable cushion that exerts a counter-holding force to stabilize the container, using fluid pressure to adjust for positioning deviations and prevent tipping, combined with a movable gripping device for flexible handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lifting devices are used to lift stacked transport containers, then the lifting operation can be performed, but the stack may tip over due to positioning inaccuracies and container damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed to be expandable and contractable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to positioning variations and container dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain stable gripping forces across different scenarios without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby preventing stack tipping while preserving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion's volume and pressure parameters are changed during operation to match the specific dimensions and weight of each container. By adjusting the cushion's expansion state and internal pressure, the system optimizes the gripping force to prevent tipping while maintaining ease of handling for various container types.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid gripping structure is used to ensure stable container holding, then positioning precision is improved, but the device cannot accommodate damaged or incorrectly stacked containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion transitions from a rigid to a compliant state based on the container's condition. For damaged or misstacked containers, the cushion expands and softens to accommodate irregular shapes, while still providing sufficient gripping force to maintain positioning accuracy. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle both perfect and damaged containers with the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is designed to provide preemptive compensation for positioning errors and container defects. By using a compliant, expandable cushion instead of a rigid structure, the system beforehand absorbs the impacts of positioning inaccuracies and damaged container surfaces, maintaining both precision and adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cushion is always expanded to provide continuous support, then container stability is improved, but the device cannot accurately position containers of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion dynamically adjusts its expansion state based on the container's dimensions and weight. Before gripping, the cushion contracts to a compact state for precise positioning. Upon contact, it expands to provide stable support. This temporal separation of positioning and support functions achieves both precision and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning with the cushion in a contracted state, ensuring accurate alignment. Only after positioning is confirmed does the cushion expand to provide full support. This preliminary action sequence prevents positioning errors while maintaining container stability throughout the lifting operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex positioning system is used to handle all container variations, then adaptability is improved, but the cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion provides automatic adaptation through its inherent mechanical properties - it expands and contracts based on the container's dimensions without requiring complex sensors or control algorithms. This passive adaptability eliminates the need for lengthy measurement and adjustment cycles, maintaining high productivity while handling diverse container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion system is self-adjusting, automatically adapting to different container sizes and conditions through its elastic properties. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual positioning adjustments or complex automated positioning systems, significantly reducing cycle times while maintaining high adaptability.
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
The solution ensures reliable prevention of stack tipping, allows for handling damaged or incorrectly stacked containers, reduces cycle times, and enhances flexibility in handling multiple layers, making it suitable for delicate goods like fruits and vegetables.
Implementation Method 1
the counter-holding device has a cushion on its side facing the gripping device, which can be expanded by supplying a fluid and contracted by removing the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lifting device (3) suitable for lifting and setting down stacked transport containers (17), comprising a gripping device (5) and a counter-holding device (6). With suitable positioning of the lifting device (3), a transport container (17) or stack of transport containers to be picked up can be positioned between the gripping device (5) and the counter-holding device (6). The counter-holding device (6) has a cushion (13) on its side facing the gripping device (5), which is expandable by the supply of a fluid and contractible by the removal of the fluid.