Front Roller Stacking Device for Plate Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for stacking and unstacking plate objects, such as those in the mattress and wood panel industries, face challenges with objects that are difficult to slide and require significant space above the stack, necessitating a solution that allows for efficient handling without manual intervention and minimal space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a motorized front roller and telescopic arm forks, allowing for parallel rotation and translational movement during stacking or unstacking operations, enabling efficient handling of plate objects without dragging them onto the stack and allowing operators to perform tasks from a forklift without leaving their position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pusher is used to move stacked objects by sliding, then stacking operations can be automated, but large free space is required between the top of the stack and the ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing objects from the front as in conventional devices, the front roller rotates to pull objects onto the stack from the front edge, inverting the conventional pushing action into a pulling action that eliminates the need for a separate pusher and reduces space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The front roller is integrated directly into the table top structure, combining the support surface and the driving mechanism into a single unit, eliminating the need for a separate pusher device and reducing overall device complexity
2Productivity
If a pusher is used to slide objects onto the stack, then stacking can be performed, but objects that are difficult to slide cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The front roller rotates to pull objects onto the stack rather than pushing them, converting a sliding-based mechanism into a friction-based pulling mechanism that can effectively handle objects with high sliding resistance such as mattresses
Solution Approach 2:
The front roller acts as an intermediary between the table top and the object, using rotational friction to grip and pull the object onto the stack, providing effective traction for objects that are difficult to slide directly
3Extent of automation
If a separate pusher is used for stacking, then automation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front roller is merged with the table top structure, integrating the driving mechanism into the support surface itself, thereby eliminating the need for a separate pusher component and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated stacking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The front roller serves multiple functions: it provides the bearing surface for objects, acts as the driving mechanism for stacking, and integrates with the table top structure, replacing what would otherwise require separate components
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of the pusher is required for unstacking, then the device can handle various operations, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The front roller can rotate in reverse to pull objects off the stack during unstacking operations, inverting the stacking action to create an automated unstacking capability that eliminates manual pusher manipulation and improves operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The front roller's rotation direction can be dynamically changed to accommodate both stacking and unstacking operations, allowing the same mechanism to perform opposite functions based on operational requirements without manual intervention
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
Enables efficient stacking and unstacking of plate objects, including those that are difficult to slide, within a compact space, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual labor, while maintaining precision and rapidity of operations.
Implementation Method 1
the front roller is coated with a non-slip material. This non-slip material allows the front roller to drag the object in the form of a plate to be handled more easily by friction
Implementation Method 2
forks with telescopic arms for handling the plate, each telescopic arm fork comprising at least two arm sections, the sections of arms being mounted, via a moving drive means, movable relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
the front roller is coated with a non-slip material. This non-slip material allows the front roller to drag the object in the form of a plate to be handled more easily by friction
Data Source
AI summary
Device (1) for handling plate objects (20) suitable for stacking, said device (1) comprising a tabletop (2) on which the object (20) is suitable for being placed, this tabletop (2) comprising along its edge (31), said front edge, a front roller (5) suitable for making contact with the underside or the edge of the plate object (20) to be handled.The device (1) includes drive means (6) for rotating the front roller (5) and the telescopic arm forks (9) for handling the platform in two opposite directions, each telescopic arm fork (9) comprising at least two arm sections (91, 92, 93), one (91) couplingable to the platform (2) and another suitable for coupling to a forklift (21), said arm sections (91, 92, 93) being mounted, by means of moving drive means (10), movable relative to each other, in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of at least one front roller (5) in the direction of an extension or reduction in length of said fork arm (9).