Divisible Loading Plate for Mixed Product Palletizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loading systems for palletizing products are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in handling mixed products with different dimensions and stacking requirements, as they often require manual intervention and are not suitable for complex picking tasks.
Innovation Solution
A loading system with at least two feed tracks and a gripper head that follows a predetermined planning algorithm to stack products onto a divisible loading plate, allowing for fully automated transfer to a target pallet, with a centering device to compact and position the stacks for efficient transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual picking is used to handle mixed products with different dimensions, then adaptability to various product types is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable and divisible loading platform that can be dynamically reconfigured. The platform is divided into multiple sections that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different product dimensions and stacking requirements while maintaining high automated picking speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including platform position, platform division configuration, and gripper head movement patterns based on the specific product type being handled. This allows the same automated system to efficiently handle diverse products by adjusting its operational parameters rather than requiring manual intervention
2Productivity
If automated layer-by-layer loading is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision of stacking lug positioning deteriorates for products with different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform is segmented into multiple divisible sections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to create custom stacking patterns for different product types, ensuring that stacking lugs and recesses align precisely even when products have varying dimensions. Each segment can be adjusted to accommodate specific product geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The movable loading platform acts as an intermediary between the feed conveyor and the target pallet. It provides a flexible intermediate staging area where products can be temporarily positioned and reconfigured before final placement, enabling precise stacking lug alignment while maintaining high automated picking speed
3Device complexity
If fixed loading platform is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different product dimensions and stacking sequences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform incorporates movable and divisible characteristics, allowing it to dynamically reconfigure its structure and position based on the specific picking task. This dynamic capability enables the system to handle various product dimensions and stacking sequences without requiring completely different equipment for each product type
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable and divisible loading platform performs multiple functions: it serves as a temporary stacking surface, a reconfiguration station, and a positioning aid for different product types. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple fixed platforms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability
4Loss of time
If products are stacked directly onto target pallet, then transfer time is reduced, but stacking stability and product protection deteriorate for mixed product types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stacking and stabilization actions on the movable loading platform before transferring products to the target pallet. Products are temporarily arranged and secured in the correct stacking sequence with proper lug-recess alignment on the platform, ensuring stack stability is established before the final transfer occurs
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a loading system for palleting mixed products (2) on a target pallet (8), comprising at least two feed tracks (4) for the products (2) to be palleted, at least one gripper head (16, 18), which is designed, in a predefined sequence, respectively to pick up at least one product (2) from one of the feed tracks (4) and to stack the same on a loading plate (12), via which at least one product stack can be transferred to the target palette (8), wherein at least two, preferably more, product stacks arranged at a distance (a) from one another are arranged on the loading plate (12) during stacking.