Gripper Regroups Parallel Bundle Rows

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Solution Overview

Problem

The packaging industry faces inefficiencies in regrouping articles or bundles from multiple parallel lanes into a smaller number of rows for further processing, as existing methods require continuous or pulsating dividing processes with low output and require spaces between bundles to be adjusted, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method and handling device that simultaneously grip and transfer multiple bundles from one row into spaced positions within an adjacent continuing row, allowing for continuous processing and reducing the number of rows, using a gripper with adjustable gripping units to maintain or adjust spaces between bundles, enabling high-output regrouping without the need for continuous space adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If bundles are transferred one at a time into spaces between consecutive bundles, then the handling device can accommodate bundles from the lane to be broken up, but the output of the device is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput of handling deviceVSAvoidhandling device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple bundle transfer operations into a single simultaneous action. The handling device grips multiple bundles (at least two) from the lane to be broken up and transfers them all at once into corresponding spaces between consecutive bundles of the continuing transport lane, rather than transferring them one at a time. This merging of operations significantly increases the output of the handling device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming spaces between consecutive bundles in the continuing transport lane before the transfer operation. These spaces are prepared in advance with appropriate dimensions to receive the bundles being transferred, allowing the handling device to perform the transfer efficiently without needing to adjust spaces during the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If spaces between bundles are formed continuously, then bundles can be divided and transferred, but the process requires continuous space adjustment which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous dividing processVSAvoidtime for space adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous operation by ensuring that the formation of spaces and the transfer of bundles occur in a continuous manner without interruptions. The handling device operates continuously to transfer bundles from the lane to be broken up to the continuing transport lane, maintaining productive action throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If a handling device handles and shifts only one bundle at a time, then the device structure is simple, but the output is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput of handling deviceVSAvoidhandling device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handling device into multiple gripping units, each capable of gripping and transferring individual bundles. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple bundles simultaneously while maintaining a modular and manageable structure. Each gripping unit can independently perform its function, enabling parallel processing of multiple bundles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If bundle groups are divided and spaces are formed, then multiple bundles can be transferred, but the process is pulsating rather than continuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput of handling deviceVSAvoidcontinuity of dividing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10336553B2Method and handling device

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 KRONES AG

AI summary

The invention is a method and device for reducing bundles (2) being conveyed in a transport direction (TR) in n rows (3) to a smaller number of continuing transport rows, in particular to (n−1) or (n−2) or (n−3) continuing transport rows (3-1, 3-3). A space (8) is formed at least between the individual bundles (2) of at least one incoming and continuing transport row (3-1, 3-3). The size of the space (8) corresponds to at least the value of a longitudinal extent of an individual article or of an individual group (2) in transport direction (TR). At least two bundles (2) of the at least one row (3-2) are transferred simultaneously by a gripper (10) into a number of consecutive spaces (8) between bundles (2) of a continuing transport row (3-1, 3-3) adjacent to the row (3-2).