Handling Module for Piece Goods in Closed Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling and aligning piece goods in row formation for palletizing are inefficient due to discontinuous conveyance, speed differences, and mechanical stress, leading to inaccuracies and increased cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where piece goods are transported in a closed formation without gaps to a handling module, where units of piece goods are formed and manipulated into specific target positions using a manipulator, allowing for precise positioning and handling without additional manipulation in subsequent modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If discontinuous conveyance with speed differences is used to transfer individual items between belts, then item transfer is possible, but mechanical stress on items increases and positioning precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous conveyance throughout the entire handling process, eliminating discontinuous transfers between multiple belts. Items are conveyed continuously at constant speed through the handling module, which manipulates items in-place rather than requiring transfer between moving belts with speed differences. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both speed and positioning precision through continuous, smooth motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handling module with manipulators as an intermediary between conveyance and positioning. Instead of using speed differences between belts to position items, the handling module uses controlled manipulators to adjust item positions while items remain on a single continuously moving belt. This mediator enables precise positioning without the mechanical stress and precision loss associated with belt-to-belt transfers.
2Ease of operation
If multiple conveyor belts with speed differences are used for item transfer and positioning, then item handling is possible, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (conveyance, positioning, manipulation) into a single integrated handling module. Instead of using separate conveyor belts for each function with coordinated speed differences, one continuous belt performs conveyance while the handling module performs all positioning and manipulation operations. This consolidation eliminates the time required for multiple belt transfers and speed synchronizations, reducing cycle time while maintaining full handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous conveyance through a single belt allows the handling module to work on items in a continuous flow rather than requiring intermittent stops and transfers between belts. This continuous operation eliminates the time losses associated with discontinuous conveyance and multiple belt synchronizations, significantly reducing cycle time.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple conveyor belts are used for spacing and positioning, then item positioning is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the conveyor belt system itself and places it in a separate handling module. Instead of using multiple belts with speed differences to achieve positioning, a single continuous belt handles conveyance while the handling module contains all positioning mechanisms. This separation simplifies the conveyor system to a single belt while concentrating positioning capabilities in a dedicated module, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling module serves multiple functions: it manipulates items, positions them precisely, and does so while items continue moving on the single continuous belt. This multi-functional module replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized conveyor belts, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving positioning precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for handling unit loads (2) moved one after the other in at least one row (1). The unit loads (2) are fed directly one after the other as a closed formation (F) in a transport direction (TR) to at least one first handling module (20) without spacing.Before the unit loads (2) enter the at least one first handling module (20), units (5) are formed from at least two unit loads (2) moved one after the other, wherein a first part (6) of the unit loads (2) of the unit (5) is moved to a first target position and/or target arrangement (P1) within the first handling module (20), and wherein a second part (7) of the unit loads (2) of the unit (5) is transported through the at least one first handling module (20) to a downstream second handling module (30) without being manipulated and/or handled within the first handling module (20). Subsequently, the second part (7) of the unit loads (2) is moved to a second target position and/or target arrangement (P2) within the second handling module (30).