Automatically Fillable Storage Buffer With Gripper Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage buffers in automated piece goods warehouses require multiple measuring and identification devices per buffer shaft, leading to increased space and cost requirements, as well as the risk of incorrect operation due to manual selection of buffer shafts by operators.
Innovation Solution
A storage buffer system with a conveyor device and a gripping mechanism that transports and orients piece goods on a transfer plane, allowing them to be automatically guided into selected buffer shafts, reducing the need for multiple measuring devices and simplifying the filling process by ensuring correct shaft selection based on piece good dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measuring and identification devices are equipped at each buffer shaft, then measurement and identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measuring device and identification device into a single integrated station located at the inlet of the buffer shaft. Instead of having separate devices at each buffer shaft, the combined measurement and identification function is performed once at the entry point, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that receives measurement and identification data, processes it, and automatically directs piece goods to the appropriate buffer shaft. This mediator eliminates the need for multiple local devices at each shaft by centralizing the decision-making process.
2Ease of operation
If manual selection of buffer shafts by operators is required, then operational flexibility is improved, but risk of incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic control. The control device automatically determines the appropriate buffer shaft based on measurement and identification data, and the gripping device automatically transfers piece goods to the correct shaft without human intervention, eliminating operational errors while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the control device continuously receives data from measuring and identification devices, processes this information, and automatically adjusts the directing of piece goods to appropriate buffer shafts. This closed-loop control ensures accurate and reliable operation without manual selection.
3Productivity
If high storage frequency and capacity are achieved, then productivity is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by measuring and identifying piece goods at the inlet station before they are directed to buffer shafts. This advance processing allows for high-speed automatic sorting and storage without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the storage process, maintaining high productivity while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The storage buffer (9) has buffer shafts (10) whose upper ends are joined to a transfer level. A gripper unit (18), controlled by the control device, is arranged for gripping individual cargo on transfer level and common location of the adjacent conveyor (16), which grips the cargo arriving at the common location on the conveyor and moves over the transfer level to an upper end of a selected buffer shafts and delivers there such that it falls in the buffer shaft in a predetemined orientation. A conveyor adjacent to the transfer level, on which the cargo to be stored is conveyed from the measuring device to a control device common location on the conveyor.