Diagonal Stacking Bridges for Mixed Container Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grouping mixed containers for transport require large, inflexible buffers and are inefficient, as they need separate spaces for each type of container, leading to space wastage and inefficiency in palletization.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses conveyor belts and sensors to align and stack containers diagonally, creating a solid base for each layer, allowing for efficient grouping and secure transport while minimizing space usage, and utilizing sorting robots to determine container dimensions and weights for quick processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate buffers are provided for each type of container to group picked goods, then containers can be organized and sorted, but the space requirement increases significantly and the system becomes inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate buffers into a single buffer that can accommodate different types of containers. Instead of having dedicated buffer spaces for each container type, the invention uses one buffer where containers of various types are temporarily stored and then grouped by the stacking device, thereby reducing total space requirements while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single buffer is designed to serve multiple functions by accommodating different types of containers simultaneously. The buffer becomes a universal storage space that can handle various container dimensions and types, rather than requiring specialized buffers for each container category, thus improving adaptability without increasing space.
2Productivity
If containers are grouped using traditional methods with separate buffers for each container type, then sorting can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having containers delivered to a single buffer in advance, where they are temporarily stored in a randomized manner. This preliminary buffering allows the stacking device to subsequently group containers of the same type together efficiently, reducing the time required for the actual grouping operation compared to traditional methods that require pre-sorted buffers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single buffer acts as an intermediary between container delivery and the stacking device. Instead of requiring containers to be pre-sorted into multiple dedicated buffers, the buffer serves as a intermediate storage point where containers are temporarily held and then systematically grouped by the stacking device, streamlining the overall process and reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large buffers are provided to accommodate all containers of an unmixed source pallet, then all container types can be stored, but the space utilization becomes inefficient and the system becomes inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized buffers into a single multi-functional buffer that can accommodate various container types. This merging eliminates the need for oversized dedicated buffers for each container type, reducing total buffer volume while maintaining the ability to handle diverse container types through centralized storage and subsequent grouping.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for quickly grouping picked goods for transport. The device includes a pair of stacking bridges lying opposite each other for pushing goods containers together in a defined manner to form a layer. The stacking bridges include a plurality of parallel, finger-like conveyor belts. The goods containers are pushed together in the direction of the diagonals of their base surfaces. A lifting apparatus is provided for lowering a layer of goods containers and placing a layer onto an empty pallet. A film-wrapping apparatus is provided for wrapping a shipment of picked goods prepared for transport.