Conveyor Carriage for Sheet-Like Elements Mixed Package Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for forming mixed packages of sheet-like elements in warehouses are slow and inefficient, requiring substantial manual effort due to the large size of warehouses and the numerous types of sheet-like elements, which is undesirable in the distribution and shipping processes.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor carriage equipped with a gripping device and frame transfer devices that can automatically pick up and combine different types of sheet-like elements from storage frames, forming mixed packages quickly and efficiently by moving along tracks within the warehouse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual picking of sheet-like elements is used to form mixed packages, then flexibility in package composition is achieved, but productivity is severely reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor carriage is equipped with a gripping device that enables it to automatically pick up sheet-like elements from homogeneous packages and place them on auxiliary supporting frames without manual intervention. The system serves itself by having the carriage perform both transport and package formation functions, eliminating the need for manual picking while maintaining flexible package composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor carriage performs multiple functions: it transports sheet-like elements, forms mixed packages, and delivers them to designated locations. The same carriage structure handles both homogeneous package transport and mixed package assembly, reducing the need for separate manual operations and significantly improving productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual formation of mixed packages is performed, then precise control over package contents is achieved, but loss of time increases due to warehouse size and element variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical picking process with an automated gripping device mounted on the conveyor carriage. This mechanical substitution maintains precise control over which sheet-like elements are selected and placed in mixed packages while dramatically reducing the time required, as the automated system can quickly traverse the warehouse and assemble packages without manual handling delays.
3Productivity
If automated conveyor systems are introduced to speed up package formation, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transport function and package formation function into a single integrated conveyor carriage system. By combining these functions that were previously separate (manual transport and manual assembly), the system achieves automated productivity improvement without requiring multiple independent complex systems. The gripping device is integrated directly onto the carriage, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity.
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 conveyor carriage significantly reduces manual input and speeds up the formation of mixed packages by allowing the carriage to move directly between storage frames, limiting movement to the distance between them and enabling rapid assembly and shipping of mixed packages.
Implementation Method 1
a gripping device (10), said gripping device comprising suction cups for picking up a sheet-like element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A conveyor carriage (1, 201) for sheet-like elements (100), comprises: - a bearing structure (2), extending along a working direction (X), - a gripping device (10, 210), arranged to pick up individual sheet-like elements from packages of sheet-like elements, and to load them on to the bearing structure, - a first frame transfer device (20), arranged to couple and uncouple an auxiliary supporting frame (30) on to the bearing structure. The conveyor carriage is operated in such a way as to load said auxiliary supporting frame (30) on to said bearing structure, to pick up the individual sheet-like elements (100a; 100b) by said gripping device (10), to rest them on the auxiliary supporting frame thereby forming the package of sheet-like elements, and to unload said auxiliary supporting frame together with said package of sheet-like elements.