Empty Sack Bundle Depalletising With Flexible Pressure Pads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing depalletizing devices are ineffective for bundles of empty sacks due to their flexible nature, requiring manual handling and not compatible with standard palletizing equipment without special programming.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that grips bundles of empty sacks from four corners using pressure pads and support means, allowing robotic handling without manual intervention, and compatible with standard palletizers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional depalletizing devices are used, then boxes or sacks full of product can be unloaded, but bundles of empty sacks cannot be handled due to their flexible nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different package typesVSAvoidautomation of depalletizing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible pressure pads instead of rigid grippers to adapt to the flexible nature of empty sack bundles. The pressure pads can deform to conform to the bundle shape, enabling robotic handling of previously manual-only tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device is divided into multiple pressure pads that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to apply force at multiple points across the bundle surface, providing stable gripping of flexible materials without requiring special programming for each bundle configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual handling is used for empty sacks, then flexible bundles can be processed, but production efficiency decreases and personnel are occupied with routine tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure pad system automatically adapts to the bundle configuration through its inherent flexibility, eliminating the need for manual intervention or special programming. The system serves itself by conforming to whatever bundle shape is presented, enabling high-speed automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device with multiple pressure pads is designed to handle various bundle configurations universally. It can process different numbers and arrangements of sacks without requiring reconfiguration or special programming, freeing personnel for higher-value tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If standard palletizers are used without modification, then general palletizing operations can be performed, but depalletizing of empty sacks requires special programming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming requirementsVSAvoidcompatibility with standard equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the gripping interface by using flexible pressure pads instead of rigid structures. This parameter change allows standard palletizers to handle flexible bundles without special programming, as the pressure pads automatically adapt to bundle geometry through deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4610004A1Method and device for depalletising bundles of empty sacks

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 MECANIZACION DEL TRANSPORTE Y ALMACENAJE IND SL

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for depalletising bundles of empty sacks comprising a gripping unit (4), located at the end of a robotic arm of a palletiser that moves it over the bundles of sacks (6, 7) stacked on a pallet to a table or conveyor, comprising fixed and retractable pressure pads (1, 2), which press on the bundles of sacks (6, 7), creating a gap between them by flexing the ends of the top bundle (6) upwards. In this position, support means for supporting the top bundle of sacks (6) are inserted, and gripping means for gripping same, which when pressed against the lower base of the gripping unit (4), allow it to be moved to the target position.