Ham Loading Device Spacer Mechanism for Bar Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for loading and unloading hams from storage frames face difficulties due to interference between hams suspended on one bar and those on another, especially when positioning or removing bars at significant heights, leading to increased time and effort in the process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pair of arms and spacer elements that can be controlled to space hams apart, allowing for easy insertion and removal of supporting bars by using a robotic arm to manage the positioning and spacing of hams, preventing interference between bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If supporting bars are spaced vertically apart to reduce storage frame height, then the overall height dimensions of the storage frame are reduced, but the hams suspended on one bar interfere with hams suspended on another bar, making it difficult to insert or remove bars
Solution Approach 1:
The device spreads the hams apart from one another before the supporting bar is inserted into the storage frame. This preliminary action prevents interference between hams on adjacent bars during the insertion operation, resolving the contradiction between compact vertical spacing and ease of bar manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses movable arms with adjustable positioning to dynamically adapt the spreading action to the specific configuration of hams and bars. The arms can be positioned at different heights and angles to accommodate varying ham arrangements, making the system flexible enough to handle the interference problem across different operational scenarios.
2Productivity
If supporting bars are positioned at significant height from the ground for storage, then storage capacity is optimized, but it becomes difficult to position hams on bars or remove hams from the bars
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the difficult operation of positioning or removing hams from the high-positioned bars by using a mechanical arm system that can reach elevated positions. The arms are designed to extend and position themselves at the required height, effectively taking out the accessibility problem from the operational constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical arm acts as an intermediary between the operator and the hams on high-positioned bars. Instead of directly manipulating hams at difficult-to-reach heights, the operator controls the arm which then performs the spreading and positioning actions, mediating the interaction between human capability and operational requirement.
3Quantity of substance
If hams are arranged in staggered rows on opposite sides of the bar, then storage density is improved, but hams on one bar interfere with hams on adjacent bars during bar insertion or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the spreading action as a preliminary step before bar insertion, creating sufficient clearance between hams in staggered rows. This advance preparation eliminates the interference problem that would otherwise occur during the critical insertion phase, allowing dense staggered arrangement to be maintained without operational conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreading mechanism applies a preliminary anti-action force to separate hams that would otherwise come into contact during bar manipulation. By pre-positioning hams in a spread configuration, the system counteracts the potential interference before it can occur, enabling the use of space-efficient staggered arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for loading hams (2) on storage frames (1) and unloading the hams therefrom, said storage frames (1) being provided with removable supporting bars (4) provided with hooking means (3) to which the hams (2) can be suspended, said device (10) comprises gripping means (11; 27) suitable for engaging said removable supporting bars (4) and spacer means (15) suitable for spacing apart from one another two rows (F1; F2) of hams (2) hanging on opposite sides of a removable supporting bar (4).