Cyclic Layered Storage for Drill Bits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and outputting drill bits of different sizes require extensive space due to the need for multiple storage boxes and a conveyor belt, which is inefficient and can only deliver filled boxes sequentially, causing inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A cyclic type layered storage and output equipment using horizontal transportation and layered storage technology, featuring dual conveyor modules and pick-and-place devices that allow for simultaneous detection and storage of drill bits, reducing space requirements and enabling individual output of filled trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage boxes are used for different sizes of drill bits, then classification storage is achieved, but the equipment space is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage arrangement to vertical layered storage. Multiple storage boxes are stacked vertically in layers, allowing different sizes of drill bits to be classified and stored in the same horizontal footprint but at different vertical levels, thus reducing equipment installation space while maintaining classification storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage boxes are nested within the same storage space at different vertical levels. The layered structure allows multiple storage boxes to occupy the same horizontal area simultaneously at different heights, similar to nested dolls, thereby reducing the overall equipment space required.
2Extent of automation
If a conveyor belt is used to transport storage boxes, then automated transportation is achieved, but the equipment space is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the horizontal conveyor belt with a vertical lifting mechanism. Storage boxes are transported vertically between layers using a lifting device, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal conveyor belt space while maintaining automated transportation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the transportation function from the horizontal conveyor belt and relocates it to a vertical lifting mechanism. This separates the transportation function from the storage arrangement, allowing automated transport without requiring the large horizontal space that a conveyor belt would occupy.
3Area of stationary object
If the conveyor belt transports storage boxes sequentially, then space efficiency is improved, but the output efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent layers, each capable of being accessed and output independently. This segmentation allows filled storage boxes to be output from different layers simultaneously or independently, improving output efficiency while maintaining space efficiency through vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic access to different layers through the lifting mechanism. Storage boxes can be dynamically retrieved from any layer based on operational needs, enabling flexible and efficient output operations compared to sequential conveyor belt transport, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing space efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclic type layered storage and output equipment includes a first pick-and-place device and a second pick-and-place device set at two opposite sides of an automatic material distribution and storage machine for delivering drill bits for detection and storing the detected drill bits by using horizontal transportation and layered storage technology. It can reduce the equipment space. After the overall inspection is completed, all the stored drill bits are transferred to another processing equipment together.