Dual-Head Palletizing Device with Inflatable Grippers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current palletizing systems require complex and time-consuming format changeovers to handle different types of articles, leading to increased downtime and costs due to the need for multiple palletizing heads, which are not suitable for all article configurations, causing instability and disorganization in some cases.
Innovation Solution
A dual-head palletizing device with an upper pushing head and a lower gripping head that can operate alternately, allowing for rapid format changeovers and handling of various article types without the need for extensive reconfiguration, featuring a support surface that translates between pick-up and unloading positions and inflatable gripping elements for secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple palletizing heads (pushing and gripping) are used to handle different article types, then the system can handle diverse articles, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single palletizing head that can perform both pushing and gripping functions. The head includes a support surface for pushing articles and inflatable gripping elements that can engage with articles requiring gripping handling. This multi-functional design allows one head to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized heads, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility across different article types
2Adaptability or versatility
If format changeovers are performed by replacing the entire palletizing head, then the system can adapt to different articles, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the palletizing head into modular components: a fixed support surface and removable inflatable gripping elements. The gripping elements can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire head assembly. This segmented design allows rapid format changeovers by swapping only the necessary gripping elements, significantly reducing the time loss associated with format changes while maintaining adaptability to different article types
3Device complexity
If pushing method is used for all articles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases for certain article configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating inflatable gripping elements that can be selectively activated based on article characteristics. The gripping elements can inflate to engage with articles that require gripping handling (such as bottles or containers) and deflate when not needed. This dynamic capability allows the single head to adapt its handling method to match article requirements, ensuring reliability for both pushable and grippable articles without increasing overall device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual-head system reduces format changeover times, enhances operational flexibility, and lowers costs by allowing for efficient handling of diverse article types with reduced mechanical complexity and weight, enabling faster and more cost-effective palletizing operations.
Implementation Method 1
said gripping elements are inflatable tubes adapted to position themselves between rows of the layer of articles, in particular between the necks of the bottles. As known, said inflatable tubes take a pickup configuration of said articles when subjected to inflation
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A palletising device (100) for picking up, transferring and depositing a layer of articles, comprising an upper head (10) for gripping articles, in turn comprising a frame (2) provided with an upper support (21) adapted to be coupled to a load-bearing structure, a support surface (3) adapted to supportingly receive the layer of articles, retaining means (4) placed above the support surface (3) and adapted to peripherally grasp said layer of articles, wherein the pick-up and/or deposit of the layer of articles occurs by means of a relative movement between the support surface (3) and the retaining means (4) generating the sliding of the layer on an upper surface (30) of the support surface (3), that said device (100) comprises a lower head (20) for gripping articles, preferably removably connected to the upper head (10), for picking up a layer of articles arranged below the support surface (3).