Document Bundle Extraction Device with Automated Gripper Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for removing bundles of documents from bundle magazines are often manual, leading to inefficiencies, potential damage, and lack of reliability in transporting documents to packaging and shipping devices.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a receiving device to stabilize the bundle magazine, a detection system to identify and position the uppermost bundle, and a gripper transport device to securely remove and transport the bundle, ensuring reliable and rapid handling and orientation adjustment for proper feeding to subsequent processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual removal of document bundles from bundle magazines is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and document damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument handling speedVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automatic detection devices that sense the presence and position of document bundles in the magazine, and the transport device automatically removes and transports bundles without manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in the document handling process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with an automated transport device that uses mechanical grippers or suction mechanisms to capture and transport document bundles, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual removal of document bundles is performed, then equipment complexity is minimized, but reliability of document transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument transport reliabilityVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate components such as detection devices that sense bundle positions, control units that process detection signals, and transport devices with grippers or suction mechanisms that reliably capture and move bundles, acting as intermediaries between the magazine and the sorting/output system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs detection devices that continuously monitor the magazine contents and provide feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the transport device operations accordingly, ensuring reliable document bundle removal and preventing errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If quick removal of document bundles is implemented, then productivity is improved, but document damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebundle removal speedVSAvoiddocument damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device is designed with gentle acceleration and deceleration profiles, and the grippers or suction mechanisms are configured to secure bundles without applying excessive force, cushioning against potential damage before it can occur during the rapid removal and transport process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3362386B1Device and method for the extraction of a passport-bundle from a bundle magazine
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3362386B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3362386B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for removing at least one stack of documents (10) from a tray (4), said apparatus (1) comprising at least one receiving device (5) for accommodating the tray (4), at least one stack conveying device (11), and at least one device for detecting a stack of documents (10) in the tray (4); the stack conveying device (11) allows a stack of documents (10) to be removed from a tray (4) in the receiving device (5).