Drone Palletizing for Misaligned Pack Handling Stations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing palletizing and depalletizing systems are structurally complex, require large spaces, are costly due to high maintenance needs, and suffer from inefficiencies in production and handling, especially when dealing with misaligned stations or large quantities of goods.

Innovation Solution

A palletizing and depalletizing system utilizing drones with grippers to transfer packs between handling stations via aerial trajectories, reducing structural complexity and space requirements, allowing for efficient operation and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions, and enabling flexible management of pack movement between misaligned stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automated anthropomorphic robots are used for palletizing and depalletizing, then pack handling between stations is achieved, but structural complexity and overall dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepack handling capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from ground-based robotic manipulation to aerial drone-based transport. Drones operate in the three-dimensional air space between handling stations, picking up packs vertically and transporting them along aerial trajectories, thereby eliminating the need for complex ground-based articulated arms and gripper systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical articulated arm and gripper system with an aerial vehicle system. Instead of using mechanical robots with multiple joints and end-effectors, the invention employs drones that fly between stations, use magnetic or mechanical grippers for brief pack capture, and deliver packs to destination stations, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automated anthropomorphic robots are used for palletizing and depalletizing, then pack handling is achieved, but large spaces are required for positioning stations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepack handling capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension and air space between handling stations for pack transport. Drones operate in the three-dimensional space above the ground level, allowing stations to be positioned closer together horizontally while maintaining adequate separation for drone operations, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If automated anthropomorphic robots are used, then production continuity is maintained, but high maintenance costs and downtime occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidmaintenance cost and downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pack transport function into independent drone units that operate autonomously between handling stations. Each drone is a self-contained module with its own propulsion, navigation, and pack-carrying capabilities, allowing individual drones to be maintained or replaced without affecting the operation of other drones or the handling stations themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drones are equipped with autonomous navigation systems that enable them to independently navigate between handling stations, locate packs, execute pickup and delivery operations, and return to base without requiring external control or intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If handling stations are positioned far apart or misaligned, then flexible station positioning is achieved, but production efficiency decreases and time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestation positioning flexibilityVSAvoidpalletizing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs aerial trajectories that allow drones to transport packs between handling stations positioned at different horizontal locations and elevations. The drones can fly in three-dimensional space, accommodating misaligned stations by adjusting flight paths vertically and horizontally, thereby maintaining production efficiency regardless of station positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3472079B1Palletizing and/or depalletizing system of goods with drones

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 SIMAC TECH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The palletizing and/or depalletizing system (1) of goods comprises: - a first handling station (2) of a plurality of packs (3) to be palletized/ depalletized; - a second handling station (4) of a plurality of packs (3) to be palletized/depalletized; - a pallet (5) arranged at at least one of the first handling station (2) and the second handling station (4), the pallet (5) being adapted to support and/or pick the packs (3) to be palletized/depalletized; - a drone (6) having a gripper (7) to grip/release the packs (3), said drone (6) being movable along an aerial trajectory (A) to palletize/ depalletized the packs (3) between the handling stations (2, 4).