Transport Container Transfer Guide for Partially Filled Racks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulator devices struggle to efficiently move transport containers between a container stack and a container rack, especially when the rack is partially filled, due to space constraints and design limitations that prevent insertion or removal of containers.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a guide for transverse displacement and a sliding device that can be securely attached to the container, allowing for reliable movement of containers between a stack and a rack, regardless of filling levels, using a spring-groove connection and actuators for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripper system approaches the transport container from the top in the lifting direction, then the transport container can be lifted securely, but the apparatus cannot move containers from a full container rack or insert containers into a partially filled rack due to insufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is equipped with a guide that enables transverse displacement of the transport container relative to the lifting direction. This adds a horizontal dimension to the traditionally vertical lifting operation, allowing the container to be pushed into rack compartments from the front rather than requiring top-down insertion. The sliding device acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the container from the vertical lifting path to the horizontal rack insertion path.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the lifting device and the container rack. It receives the container from the lifting device in the lifting position and transports it transverse to the lifting direction to the rack insertion position, enabling the container to be inserted into the rack compartment without the lifting device needing to penetrate into the rack interior.
2Reliability
If the lifting device is designed for secure form-fit and force-fit holding, then the container is securely held during lifting, but the apparatus cannot effectively push the container into the rack due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into functionally independent components: the lifting device for vertical container acquisition, the guide for transverse displacement, and the sliding device for pushing the container into the rack. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise - the lifting device maintains secure form-fit and force-fit holding while the sliding device provides the necessary pushing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide enables the container to be displaced transverse to the lifting direction, creating a separate horizontal movement path. This dimensional separation allows the lifting device to maintain its secure holding configuration while the container is simultaneously pushed into the rack by the sliding device acting in the transverse direction.
3Productivity
If the apparatus penetrates into the interior of the container rack to displace the transport container, then the container can be inserted into the rack, but the design becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding device acts as an intermediary that performs the container displacement function externally, without requiring the lifting device or its support structure to penetrate into the rack interior. The sliding device can be positioned at the rack opening and push the container into the compartment from the front, simplifying the overall apparatus design while maintaining efficient container transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving vertically into the rack interior, the guide enables transverse horizontal displacement of the container at the rack opening level. This dimensional change allows the container to be inserted into the rack compartment from the front without any part of the lifting apparatus needing to penetrate deep into the rack structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the manipulator uses a pivot arm design, then the lifting device can reach various positions, but the pivot arm no longer has sufficient space to insert the transport container into the container rack compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The guide enables transverse displacement of the container perpendicular to the lifting direction, allowing the container to be pushed into the rack compartment from the front. This eliminates the need for the pivot arm to extend deep into the rack compartment, preserving the positioning capability while enabling successful container insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for moving transport containers (1) between a container stack (4) and a container rack (22) comprises a lifting device (2) that can be adjusted to a transport container (1) transversely to a lifting direction (H). For the apparatus to have a compact structure and reliably moves transport containers between a container stack and a container rack, irrespective of the fill level of said rack, and to be preferably suitable for manipulators of industrial robots, the lifting device (2) comprises a guide for moving the transport container (1) transversely to the lifting direction (H), and a sliding device (3), which is detachably translationally rigidly connectable to the transport container (1), is provided for moving the transport container (1) in the guide (19) between a lifting position and a position for being introduced into the rack.