Collapsible Crate Opening Assembly for Multi-Format Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for automatically opening collapsible crates are complex and often ineffective due to the variety of crate formats, leading to difficulties in handling different dimensions and risking damage to the crates.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a seat with L-shaped rails defining longitudinal and transverse directions, a first assembly for clamping and rotating longitudinal walls, and a second assembly for rotating transverse walls, using motors and electronic control to handle various crate formats safely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices are designed to handle specific crate formats, then they can open those crates effectively, but they become complex and ineffective when encountering different crate formats
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a universal opening mechanism that can handle multiple crate formats through adjustable components. The means for opening the walls includes adjustable positioning elements that can be configured to accommodate different crate dimensions and hinge positions, allowing a single device to perform the opening function across various crate types without requiring format-specific mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the opening mechanism can change its configuration based on the crate format. The means for opening includes movable and adjustable components that can adapt their position and orientation to match different crate dimensions, enabling the same mechanical structure to effectively open crates of varying sizes and configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated opening devices are designed with complex mechanisms to handle various crate formats, then versatility improves, but reliability and safety of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the opening operation into distinct functional segments: a means for positioning the crate, a means for opening the walls, and a seat for receiving the crate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability. The positioning means can be adjusted for different formats without affecting the simplicity and reliability of the actual opening mechanism.
3Device complexity
If manual opening of crates is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and operational speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables automated self-service opening of crates through a mechanically designed means that performs the opening action without requiring manual intervention. The automated mechanism includes components that can independently position and open the crate walls, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for opening collapsible crates (100) which are substantially box-shaped and of the type comprising a bottom (101) and four side walls (102, 103), which are mutually independently articulated to the bottom (101) about respective main axes of rotation (A, B). The device (100) comprises at least: - a frame (2), which defines a seat (3) for receiving a crate (100), in a predefined orientation according to which a first pair of mutually opposite longitudinal walls (102) is parallel to a first, longitudinal predefined direction (C), and a second pair of mutually opposite transverse walls (103) is parallel to a second, transverse predefined direction (D); - a first opening assembly (20), provided with means (40) for clamping the flanks of each longitudinal wall (102), and configured for the automated rotation of the longitudinal walls (102) about the respective main axes (A), - a second opening assembly (50), configured for the automated rotation of the transverse walls (103) about the respective main axes (B).