Handling Device for Automated Packaging Line Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems require manual intervention and effort to realign items during the packaging process, leading to inefficiencies and interruptions, especially when dealing with items of different geometries, and involve significant personnel and time expenditure in preparing packaging materials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a work route with an inlet for horizontal conveyor transport, a manipulation area with controlled manipulators for grouping and distributing piece goods, and a handling device that adjusts guide elements and applies packaging material, including a driverless transport system for automating tasks and reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used to realign items during packaging, then item alignment is improved, but productivity decreases due to process interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors and automated manipulators to detect and correct item misalignment automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The manipulator realigns items that tip over or become unintentionally displaced during transport and packaging operations, maintaining continuous automated operation without process interruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packaging machine is reconfigured for different geometries, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable guide rails and reconfigurable manipulator components that can be modified for different item geometries. The optical detection system identifies item characteristics and the control system coordinates the adjustment of guide rail positions and manipulator configurations, enabling dynamic adaptation without requiring complex manual reconfiguration procedures.
3Ease of operation
If manual feeding of packaging materials is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to time expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual feeding of packaging materials with an automated material supply mechanism. The system detects when packaging material is needed and automatically feeds it to the manipulator, eliminating the time expenditure associated with manual material handling while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
4Productivity
If automated handling device is introduced, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to automation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates optical detection devices that continuously monitor item position, orientation, and packaging material status. This feedback is transmitted to the control system, which automatically adjusts manipulator movements, guide rail positions, and material feeding timing. The closed-loop control simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual coordination of multiple subsystems while maintaining high productivity through automated real-time adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a system (1) for grouping and/or distributing piece goods (5). The system (1) comprises an operating section (AS) comprising - an inlet (3) which has at least one horizontal conveying device (11) and by means of which a large number of piece goods (5) can be transported in mass flow, and - a manipulation region (22) which follows the inlet (3) and has at least one manipulator (10) for grouping piece goods (5). The system (1) additionally comprises at least one handling device (9) which can be moved at least in sections along the operating section (AS) and by means of which at least one handling device (9) a) the at least one manipulator (10) can be modified for different operating processes, and/or by means of which at least one handling device (9) b) guide elements which are provided for piece goods (5) and are arranged in the course of the operating section (AS) can be exchanged and/or the relative spacing of which can be adjusted, and/or by means of which at least one handling device (9) c) specific piece goods (5) which are located over the course of the operating section (AS) can be acted on, and/or by means of which at least one handling device (9) d) pack media can be provided for at least one manipulator (20) which is positioned in the manipulation region (22).