Dual-Article Support Device With Segmented Positioning Pins And Tapered Guides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices are inefficient as they require separate units for different sized articles, as the 'V'-shaped grooves on these devices allow only one type of article to be positioned effectively, leading to the need for multiple support devices.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a combination of pins and tapered pieces allows for the precise positioning of two types of articles with different sizes by using pins for one article and tapered pieces for the other, preventing interference and enabling a single device to support both.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single support device is used to support both first and second articles, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates due to potential interference between positioning members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of support devicesVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into two independent systems: pins for positioning the first article and tapered pieces for positioning the second article. These segmented positioning members operate independently without interfering with each other, allowing a single support device to accurately position both article types simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the placing surface are assigned different positioning functions: pins are positioned to engage with the first article's positioning holes, while tapered pieces are positioned to guide the outer perimeter of the second article's bottom portion. This local differentiation ensures each positioning member performs its function without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If V-shaped grooves are used to position containers, then positioning is achieved for one article type, but adaptability deteriorates as only one type of article can be positioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidarticle type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support device achieves multi-functionality by integrating two independent positioning systems: pins that can position the first article type through engagement with positioning holes, and tapered pieces that can position the second article type by guiding its outer perimeter. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple article types effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism is made dynamic and adaptable through the combination of pins and tapered pieces, which can selectively engage with different article types based on their bottom portion characteristics, allowing the support device to adapt its positioning method to match the specific article being positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3050825B1Storage system and method for placing two types of articles on a support device
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP3050825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050825B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3050825B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A support device on which two types of articles that differ in size are positioned and placed is provided. A first article and a second article having a larger bottom portion than that of the first article are to be placed on a placing surface of a support device. A first positioning member protruding from the placing surface for positioning the bottom portion of the first article and a second positioning member protruding from the placing surface for positioning the second article are provided. The first positioning member is arranged at a position where interference with the second article is prevented when the second article is positioned on the placing surface by the second positioning member, and the second positioning member is arranged at a position where interference with the first article is prevented when the first article is positioned on the placing surface by the first positioning member.