Driverless Transport Vehicle Adapter for Automated Supply Roll Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems require significant personnel input and are prone to errors when replacing supply rolls, which hampers efficiency and throughput in packaging processes, especially for grouped articles like beverage containers.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus utilizing an automatically controlled driverless transport vehicle with an adapter that can securely hold and position supply rolls, minimizing the risk of collisions and over-turning, and allowing for automated feeding of rolls to packaging machines, reducing manual intervention and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of supply rolls is used, then personnel can position rolls, but personnel input and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driverless transport vehicle autonomously navigates to the packaging machine and performs roll replacement operations without human intervention. The vehicle independently positions itself, connects to the machine, and executes the feeding task, making the system self-sufficient for this specific operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The driverless transport vehicle acts as an intermediary between the supply roll storage area and the packaging machine. It transports rolls, positions them precisely, and interfaces with the machine's roll handling mechanism, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while maintaining controlled, accurate positioning.
2Productivity
If reel conveyors are used to transport reels, then rolls can be delivered, but space requirements and error susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the roll transport function from a complex conveyor system and implements it using a simple driverless transport vehicle. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core functionality of delivering rolls to the packaging machine efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveyor systems with an autonomously controlled driverless vehicle that uses its own travel drive. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving adaptability and reducing error susceptibility through automated control systems.
3Productivity
If manual roll replacement is performed, then rolls can be exchanged, but throughput and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The driverless transport vehicle enables continuous operation by automatically delivering rolls to the packaging machine without interrupting the production process. The vehicle can operate continuously, maintaining the flow of packaging material and preventing downtime associated with manual roll changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle prepares and positions supply rolls in advance, delivering them to the packaging machine before they are needed. This preliminary action ensures that rolls are ready for immediate installation, eliminating waiting time and maintaining continuous production throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a Transport apparatus (1) for supply rolls (8) with packaging material wound thereon. The transport apparatus (1) comprises at least one driverless transport vehicle (2) and at least one adapter (3).The adapter (3) is preferably connectable to the driverless transport vehicle (2), as well as being separable from the driverless transport vehicle (2).The adapter (3) is moreover designed to hold at least one supply roll (8).