Elastic Cushion Member for Article Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transport facilities require complex operations to prevent articles from falling during transfer, as they need to vertically move a cushion member before and after transferring, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
An article transport facility with a vertically movable member and a transfer device that includes a support body with elastically deformable positioning members and a cushion member spaced apart by a set distance, allowing the article to be lifted by the cushion member and preventing excessive lifting, thus avoiding the need to retract the cushion member during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cushion member is provided to press down on the article and prevent it from falling, then the reliability of article transport is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to vertically move the cushion member before and after transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion member is extracted from the transfer device structure and repositioned on the vertically movable member. This separation allows the cushion member to remain stationary during transfer operations, eliminating the need for complex vertical movement mechanisms while maintaining its article-preventing-fall function
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically movable member acts as an intermediary carrier for the cushion member. By placing the cushion member on this intermediate structure rather than directly on the transfer device, the system achieves article protection without requiring the transfer device itself to perform complex vertical movements
2Reliability
If the cushion member is positioned close to the article to prevent lifting, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion member is repositioned in the vertical dimension on the vertically movable member, creating spatial separation from the horizontal transfer path. This dimensional change allows the cushion member to maintain its article-stabilizing function without interfering with the horizontal projection and retraction movements of the transfer device
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
This configuration prevents articles from falling by limiting excessive lifting and alleviates shock, allowing smooth transfer without vertically moving the cushion member, simplifying the transfer process while maintaining safety.
Implementation Method 1
a cushion member which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction is provided to the vertically movable member
Implementation Method 2
the support body includes a support member which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
An article transport device includes a vertically movable member which is movable along the vertical direction, and a transfer device which is supported by the vertically movable member and is configured to transfer an article to or from any one of transfer target locations. The transfer device includes a support body which receives and supports an article and is projected and retracted between a projected position and a retracted position. And the support body includes a support member which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, wherein the support body is configured to receive and support an article with the support member. A cushion member is provided to the vertically movable member such that the cushion member is spaced apart upwardly by a set distance from the article which is received and supported by the support member.