Depalletization Device Roller Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depalletization devices are complex, bulky, and lack flexibility in handling various geometric arrangements of pallet layers, resulting in inefficient disassembly and orientation of boxes, with limited precision and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A depalletization device with a simplified design featuring an entry conveyor, loading/unloading device, exit conveyors, and a control system that uses motors and rollers to extract and orient layers and boxes, allowing for flexible handling of layers in any format by transferring entire layers onto alternating conveyors and using separate rollers to separate rows and columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors and fixed obstacles are used to separate and orient boxes, then the boxes can be divided into groups and oriented, but the device becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the layer into rows and columns using separate rollers that can be independently adjusted. The rollers are segmented into different sets (first rollers for rows, second rollers for columns) that can be positioned and configured separately, allowing flexible handling of various geometric arrangements without requiring a complete redesign of the entire conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers are made movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The position and configuration of the rollers can be dynamically changed to accommodate different layer formats and box arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the same device to handle multiple geometric configurations without adding permanent fixed obstacles for each possible arrangement.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional auxiliary devices are added to separate rows and columns, then the precision of separation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers serve multiple functions: they separate rows, separate columns, and orient boxes in different directions. The same roller mechanism can be configured to perform different separation tasks by adjusting their position and arrangement, eliminating the need for dedicated auxiliary devices for each specific separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves precision through adjustable parameters such as roller position, spacing, and configuration rather than through complex mechanical structures. By changing the parameters of the existing rollers (their positions and arrangements), the system can precisely separate and orient boxes for different geometric arrangements without adding more devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is designed to handle limited layer formats, then the design is simpler, but the flexibility to handle various geometric arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roller positions and configurations are made adjustable rather than fixed for specific formats. This allows the same device to adapt to different layer formats and geometric arrangements by repositioning the rollers, providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized devices for each format.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller system is designed to universally handle multiple layer formats and geometric arrangements through a single configurable mechanism. The same rollers can be repositioned and reconfigured to work with different box sizes, layer dimensions, and geometric patterns, making the device versatile while maintaining relative simplicity.
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 device achieves a more compact and cost-effective design with improved precision and flexibility in disassembling pallets with varying layer formats, reducing maintenance complexity and enhancing the ability to handle different geometric arrangements of boxes.
Implementation Method 1
a number of first and second driven rollers (45a, 45b) that are able to rotate around the respective third axes that are parallel to the first axis
Data Source
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AI summary
This document describes a depalletization device (1) that is able to disassemble a pallet (2) that is made up of at least a number of layers (3), comprising: a loading/unloading device (6), which is able to separate and extract a layer (3) from the pallet (2); a first conveyor (7) that can be supplied with the layer (3) that is separated from the pallet (2) and is able to move the layer (3) forward; the depalletization device (1) also comprises: a second conveyor (10), which can be fed from the first conveyor (7) with an entire layer (3); a pair of third conveyors (11a, 11b) that are able to receive, one or the other alternatingly, the entire layer (3); and actuator means (14) that can be controlled to transfer the entire layer (3) from the second conveyor (10) to either of the third conveyors (11a, 11b).