Flexible Manual Storage System with Modular Chain and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for the transportation and storage of hanging parts are complex, prone to breakage, and have limited load capacity, posing safety risks for materials and personnel during transfer between different logistic flow stages.
Innovation Solution
A flexible manual storage system featuring workpiece chains with hinged metal crossbars and rolling assemblies that allow for increased load capacity and safety, incorporating shock-absorbing ends, linking cams, and support tabs to prevent breakage and ensure secure transfer along a modular rolling track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex roller skates and arms are used in aerial conveyor systems, then transportation capability is improved, but structural complexity increases and risk of breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the workpiece support into modular chains composed of individual crossbars that can be separately assembled and maintained. Each crossbar is an independent unit with standardized connection points, allowing the chain to be segmented into manageable sections rather than using complex integrated roller skate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling track design provides universal support for multiple types of workpiece chains and configurations. The same track structure can accommodate chains of different lengths and load capacities by simply adding or removing crossbars, eliminating the need for specialized complex roller skates for different transportation needs.
2Device complexity
If workpiece slings are used with limited load capacity, then system simplicity is maintained, but safety risk increases during accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates energy-absorbing elements in the chain connections and track interfaces that activate during accidental releases or overloads. These elements are designed to dissipate impact energy and prevent catastrophic failure, providing safety cushioning before damage occurs while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbars utilize composite construction combining metal tubes with reinforcing elements to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the system to handle heavy loads safely without requiring overly complex structural designs, merging simplicity with enhanced reliability.
3Strength
If workpiece chains with hinged metal parts are used, then load capacity is doubled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is segmented into standardized crossbar units that can be manufactured independently using common metal forming processes. Each crossbar is a separate component with standardized hinged connections, allowing parallel production and assembly rather than manufacturing complex integrated high-strength structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged metal parts utilize controlled material properties and geometric parameters (tube thickness, hinge geometry, connection hole positioning) to achieve high load capacity within standard manufacturing capabilities. By optimizing these parameters, the system doubles load capacity while remaining manufacturable with conventional processes.
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 system doubles the load capacity and enhances safety by preventing accidents during part transfer, maintaining chain integrity under heavy loads and allowing for secure handling and storage without breakage.
Implementation Method 1
a first free end carrying shock absorbing end parts
Implementation Method 2
rolling assemblies mounted in a suspended position and that has the possibility of lengthwise movement along a rolling track
Implementation Method 3
suspended movement, along same of workpiece elements
Implementation Method 4
a vertical support shaft for the adjacent crossbars by metal hinged parts
Implementation Method 5
defining said support and stiffening tabs of the hinged metal parts on the end crossbars makes it possible for said hinged parts to support a heavy load without breaking
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible manual storage system comprising: a rolling track (3); piece-holding chains (1, 1', 1") formed by a variable number of crossbars (1 a, 1 b, 1 c) provided with through-holes (12) form which pieces can be suspended; shock absorbing end parts (4) and carns (6) for connecting consecutive piece-holding chains (1, 1', 1"); and rolling assemblies (2) provided with a casing (25) having a U-shaped cross-section and equipped with at least one pair of rollers (26) bearing on a guide (31) of a rolling track (3) and with a vertical shaft (21) for supporting the crossbars of a piece-holding chains. The rolling track (3) comprises at least one first segment (3a) and one second segment (3b) that can be coupled to one another and a station (8) at which successive piece-holding chains can be stopped and disconnected from one another.