Conveyor Stacking Apparatus Hold Back Bar Lift Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems face inefficiencies in stacking two-dimensionally arrayed layers of objects onto pallets, as the sequential stacking process is time-consuming, leading to increased costs and reduced productivity in palletizing operations.
Innovation Solution
A stacking apparatus that uses a hold back bar and lift mechanism to raise and stack two-dimensional layers of objects, allowing for simultaneous movement and alignment of subsequent layers, enabling faster palletization by a palletizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential stacking of layers is used on the palletizer, then the stacking process is simple to implement, but the palletizing time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The hold back bar selectively holds back layers of objects to allow a predetermined number of layers to be raised and positioned in advance before the palletizer arrives. This preliminary positioning of multiple layers eliminates the time-consuming sequential stacking operation, as layers are already in place when the palletizer needs them.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift mechanism acts as an intermediary device between the conveyor and the palletizer. It raises and positions layers of objects at an intermediate location before final palletizing, enabling parallel preparation of multiple layers without interfering with the palletizer's operation.
2Speed
If the conveyor system moves layers quickly to the palletizer, then throughput is improved, but the sequential stacking process becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
While the conveyor operates at high speed delivering layers rapidly, the hold back bar and lift mechanism preliminarily raise and position these layers in advance. This ensures that even at high conveyor speeds, layers are ready for immediate placement on the palletizer without creating a bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor continues to move layers continuously while the lift mechanism simultaneously raises and positions them. This continuous parallel operation maintains high throughput while eliminating idle time in the stacking process, as the useful action of layer preparation occurs continuously alongside conveyor operation.
3Loss of time
If multiple layers are stacked simultaneously, then palletizing time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking function is segmented into distinct components: the hold back bar for selective layer retention, the lift mechanism for raising layers, and the positioning system for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, while collectively achieving complex simultaneous multi-layer stacking without requiring an overly complicated integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking apparatus for a conveyor system raises a two-dimensionally arrayed layer of objects conveyed by the conveyor system and stacks the raised layer of objects on a subsequent layer of objects conveyed by the conveyor system. The apparatus then dispenses the stacked layers of objects from the apparatus, whereby the stacked layers of objects can be received by a palletizer for loading on a pallet in a more time efficient manner.