Gripper Mechanism for Interlocking Pack Layer Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming layers of packs are inefficient and lack the capability to economically position and rotate multiple packs simultaneously for optimal layer formation and palletization.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a feed conveyor, a gripper for positioning and rotating packs, and an outfeed conveyor that uses a stop and slides to form interlocking pack layers, which can then be palletized using a shutter head or bracket, allowing for efficient formation and orientation of packs into stackable layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple packs are handled individually using separate grippers or rotary elements, then each pack can be positioned or rotated, but the device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gripper functions into a single multi-functional gripper that can handle multiple packs simultaneously. Instead of using separate grippers for each pack, one gripper performs positioning, rotation, and stacking operations on multiple packs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single gripper is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations: positioning packs in correct orientation, rotating packs by 90 degrees, and stacking packs vertically. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, resolving the contradiction between operational capability and device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If packs are processed one at a time through fixed work areas, then positioning precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by having the single gripper process multiple packs in sequence without returning to a starting position after each operation. The gripper continuously moves along the conveyor, positioning and stacking packs in one continuous motion, eliminating idle time while maintaining precision through controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares packs for stacking by pre-positioning them in correct orientation on the conveyor before the gripper arrives. This preliminary arrangement allows the gripper to perform stacking operations efficiently without needing to reposition or reorient packs during the stacking process, thereby maintaining precision while improving speed
3Ease of manufacture
If separate devices are used for positioning, rotating, and stacking packs, then each operation can be optimized, but the overall process becomes less economical and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges positioning, rotation, and stacking operations into a single integrated gripper system. This consolidation reduces the number of devices needed, lowering manufacturing costs and economic complexity while maintaining high productivity through the gripper's efficient multi-functional design
Solution Approach 2:
The universal gripper performs all three operations (positioning, rotating, stacking) that would traditionally require separate devices. This multi-functionality achieves economic efficiency by reducing device count and complexity while maintaining productivity through the gripper's ability to execute all operations in one continuous process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The apparatus (10) has a supply conveyor (12) supplying packing units (2) to the apparatus, and another conveyor (14) provided downstream of the supply conveyor. A gripper (18) associated with the conveyor positions and/or turns the packing units. The gripper is configured in such a way that one of the packing units is positionable and/or turnable and another packing unit is placed on the positioned and/or turned packing unit in same orientation, and an exit conveyor (16) with the positioned and/or turned packing units form form-fitting layers (6) of the packing units. An independent claim is also included for a method for economically forming packing unit layers.