Handling System for Stackable Flat Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling systems for stackable flat elements, such as carton elements, face challenges in preventing damage during transportation and processing due to their susceptibility to deformation and cracking, particularly when moved between processing devices.
Innovation Solution
A handling system comprising a supporting table with a clamping device and a lifting device that bends the stack around a specific axis, creating a U-shaped cross-section, making the stack stiffer and reducing the risk of deformation and damage, while allowing for secure transportation and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stack is transported in a flat state on a supporting table, then it is easy to handle and position, but it is susceptible to deformation and cracking during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning the stack from a static flat state to a dynamic bent state during transportation. The stack is bent around a bending axis to create a U-shaped cross-section, which maintains structural integrity while being transported. This dynamic shape change allows the stack to be both easy to handle when flat and resistant to damage when bent during movement.
2Reliability
If complex robot arms or cranes are used to handle stacks, then damage risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the geometric parameter of the stack from a flat configuration to a bent configuration with a U-shaped cross-section. This parameter change (bending the stack around a bending axis) fundamentally alters the structural properties, making the stack inherently more resistant to damage during transportation without requiring complex handling equipment like robot arms or cranes.
3Strength
If the stack is bent into a U-shaped cross-section, then stiffness and robustness increase, but the handling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the handling function into two separate, simpler devices: a clamping device that secures the stack to the supporting table and a lifting device that raises the stack. This segmentation of the handling mechanism into distinct functional components achieves the desired U-shaped bending and robustness without requiring a single complex handling system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the risk of unintentional folding or cracking of carton elements by maintaining them in a stiffer, bended state, enhancing their robustness during handling and processing, thereby minimizing damage and ensuring precise alignment for further processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping device (103) configured for clamping a first part (113) of the stack to the supporting table
Implementation Method 2
a lifting device (104) configured for lifting a second part (114) of the stack from the supporting table
Implementation Method 3
the stack is bendable by clamping the first part of the stack onto the supporting table by the clamping device and lifting the second part of the stack from the supporting table by the lifting device at the same time, such that the stack is bended around a bending axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handling system (100) for handling stackable flat elements, in particular carton elements. The handling system (100) comprises a supporting table (102) onto which at least an edge portion (303) of a stack (101) of flat elements is supportable, a clamping device (103) configured for clamping a first part (113) of the edge portion of the stack (101) to the supporting table (102), and a lifting device (104) configured for lifting a second part (114) of the stack (101) from the supporting table (102). The lifting device (104) and the clamping device (103) are arranged to the supporting table (102) such that the stack (101) is bendable by clamping the first part (113) of the stack (101) onto the supporting table (102) by the clamping device (103) and lifting the second part (114) of the stack (101) from the supporting table (102) by the lifting device (104) at the same time such that the stack (101) is bended around a bending axis (109), wherein the bending axis (109) extends within a plane parallel to a supporting plane (112) of the supporting surface (111).