Flexible Finger Unit for Damage-Free Stack Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying piece goods from stacks or heaps is challenging, especially for fragile items, as existing methods often result in damage and inefficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a finger unit with flexible flank elements connected by webs, allowing adjustment from a curved to an extended position, which can be pressed against the stack or heap to grip and remove items, and a telescopic belt conveyor with a finger unit to support the conveyor belt, enabling adaptive handling and transport of piece goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conveying methods are used to move piece goods from stacks or heaps, then the handling process can be completed, but the piece goods are often damaged and handling efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The finger unit is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a curved position (for gripping) and an extended position (for releasing). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to perform both gentle gripping for fragile items and efficient transport, resolving the contradiction between reliable damage-free handling and productive handling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the finger unit by adjusting its curvature. When curved, it creates a large contact surface for gentle gripping of fragile piece goods. When extended, it reduces contact for efficient release and transport. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both damage-free handling and high productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid conveyor structure is used, then the structural strength is high, but the ability to adapt to different piece good shapes and sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The finger unit transforms from a rigid structure to a dynamic one capable of curvature adjustment. This allows the conveyor to adapt its shape to match different piece good geometries while maintaining structural integrity through the controlled elastic deformation of the finger elements
Solution Approach 2:
The finger unit incorporates flexible elements that can bend and curve to conform to the shape of piece goods. These flexible components maintain sufficient structural strength to grip and transport items while providing the adaptability needed for different shapes and sizes
3Force
If the finger unit is pressed hard against the stack to grip items, then the gripping force is sufficient, but the surface pressure damages fragile piece goods
Solution Approach 1:
The finger unit is designed with a curved surface that conforms to the shape of piece goods in the stack. This curvature distributes the gripping force over a larger surface area, reducing localized pressure points that would damage fragile items while maintaining sufficient total grip force for effective handling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the contact parameters by adjusting the finger unit's curvature to match the piece good geometry. This parameter optimization allows sufficient grip force to be applied through distributed contact pressure rather than concentrated force, preventing damage to fragile surfaces
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 solution provides a reliable, damage-free handling and transport of piece goods by creating a large contact surface and reducing surface pressure, allowing for efficient removal of items from stacks or heaps, even when they are large or unevenly shaped.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two flexible flank elements between the two ends of the finger unit are each flexibly connected to one another via a plurality of webs, so that the finger unit can be adjusted at least from a curved position to an extended position and back
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Among other things, a method for conveying unit loads (10) from a stack (20) and/or heap is described, using a finger unit (1) comprising at least two flexible flank elements (2, 3) extending together from one end of the finger unit (1) to an opposite end of the finger unit (1), wherein the at least two flexible flank elements (2, 3) are flexibly connected to each other between the two ends of the finger unit (1) via a plurality of webs (6), so that the finger unit (1) is adjustable at least from a curved position to a straight position and back, - in which the finger unit (1) is pressed against the stack (20) and/or heap of unit loads (10), so that one flank element (2, 3) is partially pressed in by at least one unit load (10), - in which the finger unit (1) is adjusted from a straight position to a curved position and the finger unit (1)including at least one item (10) at least partially.