Grouping Objects with Transport Gaps to Reduce Equipment Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging objects in groups that fulfill a predetermined criterion, such as total weight, require a high number of pickup devices and conveyors, leading to inefficiencies in handling and increased equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that rearrange objects on a second transport device by creating gaps between them, allowing for regrouping without handling each object, using a pickup device to selectively place objects in these gaps to form groups that meet the predetermined criterion, thereby reducing the number of components and equipment needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high number of pickup devices and conveyors are used to package objects in groups, then the packaging accuracy and number of objects packaged increase, but the equipment complexity and handling time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gap creation function from the traditional pickup-device-centric approach. By creating gaps between objects on the conveyor belt, the system separates the grouping function from multiple pickup devices, allowing objects to be grouped passively as they move along the conveyor, thus reducing equipment complexity while maintaining packaging accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating gaps between objects before the actual grouping process. These pre-created gaps enable subsequent objects to be easily inserted into appropriate groups without requiring complex pickup operations, thereby simplifying the overall packaging system while maintaining precision
2Productivity
If a high number of pickup devices are used to handle each object individually, then the number of objects packaged increases, but the handling time and equipment needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing objects to be automatically grouped as they move along the conveyor belt. The pre-created gaps enable objects to effectively 'self-group' into batches without requiring active pickup and placement operations, thereby increasing productivity while minimizing handling time
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system maintains continuous motion and continuous grouping action throughout the packaging process. Objects are continuously fed, continuously grouped into batches using the pre-created gaps, and continuously moved forward, eliminating idle time and maximizing productivity without increasing handling time
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple packing are provided to place objects that do not match missing weight, then the packaging accuracy is maintained, but the equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single conveyor belt system performs multiple functions: it transports objects, creates gaps for grouping, enables batch formation, and facilitates continuous packaging. This universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized pickup devices and conveyors, reducing component count while maintaining the ability to accurately package objects that do not match missing weight requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for arranging objects (10) in groups (GR), with the objects (10) having an individual criterion and the groups of objects (10) fulfilling a predetermined common criterion. The method comprises the steps of supplying said objects (10) on a first transport device (20) in a supply order, positioning the objects (10) in a transportation order on a second transport device (30) according to the supply order, and creating a gap (G) between subsequently arranged objects (10) during positioning the objects (10) on the second transport device (30). The gap (G) has a width sufficient for accommodating a further object (10).