Conveyor Launcher Kinetic Transfer for Palletizer Layer Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing palletizing methods are slow and costly due to the need for synchronization of multiple mechanisms and the use of additional actuation means, such as arms and pushers, which slow down the palletizing process.

Innovation Solution

A palletizer system where a conveyor acts as a 'launcher' to impart kinetic energy to the preformed layer of objects, allowing it to transfer automatically to a layer depositing tool with freely rotating rollers, eliminating the need for additional synchronization and reducing energy consumption by relying solely on the conveyor's kinetic energy for transfer completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple means (motorized belt and arm with pusher) are used to transfer the layer, then the transfer can be completed, but the process becomes slow and costly due to synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer completionVSAvoidpalletizing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the arm with pusher from the transfer mechanism. The transfer is completed solely by the motorized driving belt advancing the layer, removing the need for synchronization between multiple actuated components and thereby increasing palletizing speed while maintaining reliable transfer completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized driving belt performs the complete transfer function by itself without requiring assistance from an arm with pusher. The belt's advancement capability is sufficient to complete the transfer autonomously, eliminating synchronization requirements and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple actuated means are used for transfer, then the layer can be transferred completely, but the device complexity increases due to multiple mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer completionVSAvoidnumber of mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arm with pusher is extracted from the system, leaving only the motorized driving belt to perform the transfer. This reduction in mechanisms simplifies the device while maintaining complete transfer capability through the belt's advancement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized driving belt is designed to perform multiple functions: advancing objects during formation and completing the transfer of the entire layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transfer mechanisms, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable transfer completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If arm with pusher is added to complete transfer, then transfer reliability improves, but energy consumption increases due to additional actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer completionVSAvoidactuation energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The arm with pusher is removed from the system, eliminating its actuation energy requirements. The motorized driving belt alone completes the transfer, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining transfer reliability through its sufficient advancement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized driving belt autonomously completes the transfer without requiring additional actuation from an arm with pusher. This self-sufficient approach reduces energy consumption by eliminating redundant actuation systems while ensuring reliable transfer completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach results in a faster and less expensive palletizing process, reducing the complexity and energy consumption of the palletizer by automating the transfer phase and eliminating the need for additional actuation mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

The advancement of the objects 6a is due to the friction coefficient from the objects on the belt 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a layer depositing tool 3 that has a surface of freely rotating rollers 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9908721B2Palletizer, palletizing method, and transfer of a layer of objects by palletizer from a conveyor to a layer depositing tool

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 GEBO PACKAGING SOLUTIONS ITAL

AI summary

A palletizer for depositing a preformed layer (13) of objects (14) on a pallet (15). The palletizer includes a conveyor, equipped with an advancement mechanism (16, M1), which advances the preformed layer of objects and is designed to impart kinetic energy to the preformed layer (13) of objects, a layer depositing tool (12) designed to deposit the preformed layer (13) of objects onto the pallet (15), and a transfer mechanism for transferring the preformed layer (13) of objects and designed so that the entirety of the preformed layer (13) of objects leaves the conveyor and arrives on the layer depositing tool (12). The transfer mechanism includes the advancement mechanism (16, M1). The conveyor is a conveyor-launcher (11) designed for launching the preformed layers (13) of objects, and the transfer mechanism includes the advancement mechanism of the conveyor-launcher and the kinetic energy imparted by the conveyor-launcher (11).