Integrated Fork Gripper with Dual Suction for Carton Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carton erecting devices are costly and require significant effort, as they are separate units not suitable for stacking or palletizing erected cartons, necessitating additional devices for these tasks.
Innovation Solution
A carton erecting device is integrated into a fork or palletizing gripper, utilizing two perpendicular suction devices to both erect and palletize cartons, eliminating the need for separate units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate carton erecting device is used, then carton erection function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carton erecting device with the fork gripper into a single integrated unit. The suction devices that were previously separate components are now merged with the fork gripper structure, allowing the same device to perform both carton erection and palletizing functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork gripper is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a palletizing gripper for handling finished cartons and as a carton erecting device for forming cartons from blanks. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating suction devices into the fork gripper structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated erecting equipment.
2Productivity
If a separate carton erecting device is used, then carton erection is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the erecting mechanism with the existing fork gripper, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture, maintain, and service a separate erecting device. The integrated design reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining high operational efficiency through streamlined operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fork gripper is used, then palletizing function is achieved, but carton erection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fork gripper is transformed into a universal device that can perform both palletizing and carton erection operations. The suction devices are configured to enable carton erection when needed, while the fork gripper's inherent design allows it to return to its conventional palletizing function, providing operational versatility without sacrificing simplicity.
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 dual-purpose solution significantly reduces manufacturing, maintenance, and servicing costs by integrating the carton erecting function into a standard palletizing gripper, enabling efficient use for both carton erection and palletization.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic suction grippers, which guide the carton blanks and hold them while they are being unfolded
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a magazine for accommodating folded carton blanks (15, 15a), which are pre-fabricated as a carton stack. A pneumatic vertical vacuum gripper (10) and a pneumatic horizontal vacuum gripper are provided for guiding the carton blanks, when a carton is unfolded, where the device is integrated with a fork gripper or a pallet gripper. The fork gripper has forks for engaging the carton and one of the vacuum grippers, where the forks have arms for holding the engaged carton from above to transport the carton. The arms and one vacuum gripper are moved vertically and/or horizontally.