Dual Feed Belt Palletizing for Parallel Bag Layer Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing palletizing devices are inefficient and costly due to the sequential feeding of rows of filled sacks, which slows down the palletizing process and prolongs the time required to form layers.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a secondary feed belt in conjunction with a main feed belt allows for simultaneous or near-simultaneous feeding of two rows of filled sacks onto the sliding surface, reducing the time needed to form layers and increasing the overall palletizing speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single main feed conveyor is used to supply rows of filled bags sequentially, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to sequential feeding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepalletizing speedVSAvoidfeed device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed device is segmented into multiple independent feed conveyors (main feed conveyor and at least one secondary feed conveyor), each capable of supplying rows of filled bags independently. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple conveyors, thereby increasing palletizing speed without requiring a complete redesign of the entire feed system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple feed conveyors are merged into a single coordinated system that feeds multiple rows of filled bags simultaneously onto the sliding surface. The conveyors work in parallel but are integrated through common control and coordination mechanisms, achieving both increased productivity and manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple feed conveyors are used to feed rows simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer formation speedVSAvoidnumber of feed conveyors
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary feed conveyor is designed with multi-functionality to handle different palletizing tasks. It can operate independently for specific configurations and can be coordinated with the main feed conveyor for other tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized conveyors and thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the secondary feed conveyor is fully independent with separate control and drive, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for different tasksVSAvoidcontrol and drive systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control and drive systems of the feed conveyors are designed to be dynamic and adjustable. The secondary feed conveyor can operate independently with its own control and drive, or be coordinated with the main feed conveyor through adjustable control parameters. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different palletizing tasks while managing complexity through flexible control rather than rigid separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2939963B1Feeding device for feeding filled bags to a palletising device
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP2939963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a feeding device (10) for feeding filled bags (200) to a palletizing device (100), comprising a main feeding belt (20) for feeding a first row (210) of the filled bags (200) onto a sliding surface (112) of the palletizing device (100), wherein at least one secondary feeding belt (30) is arranged next to the main feeding belt (20) for feeding a further row (220) of the filled bags (200) onto the sliding surface (112) next to the first row (210) of the filled bags (200).