Inclined Trolley Support with Stops for Package Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems, whether fully automated or manual, face inefficiencies in processing orders due to long processing times, high costs, and limited profitability, especially for lower throughput volumes, as they struggle to quickly assemble and transport ordered items efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A trolley design featuring inclined supports with horizontal and upper stops to stabilize packages, combined with a roller system for easy handling and unloading, along with guidance systems like cameras and light sources to enhance navigation and safety, and an unloading station with motorized forks and conveyors to streamline the packaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are placed on horizontal supports, then packages are stable, but opening access is difficult and item positioning is hard
Solution Approach 1:
The support plane is inverted from horizontal to inclined, which reverses the conventional approach. This inclination facilitates package opening and item positioning by providing better access, while the upper stop compensates for the reduced stability by preventing backward tipping.
Solution Approach 2:
An upper stop is introduced as an intermediary element above the inclined support. This stop acts as a mediator that prevents the package from tipping backward, compensating for the instability introduced by the inclined support configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple packages are supported on the trolley, then transport capacity increases, but footprint increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures extend in multiple spatial dimensions rather than simply expanding the horizontal footprint. Packages are arranged at different heights and angles, utilizing vertical and inclined dimensions to increase capacity without proportionally increasing the ground area occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support levels are nested vertically, with upper supports positioned above lower ones. This nesting arrangement allows multiple packages to be stacked in a compact vertical configuration, maximizing the use of vertical space within the trolley's footprint.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lower stop prevents slipping, then package positioning is secure, but package retrieval is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lower stop is transformed from a static blocking element to a dynamic release mechanism. When the upper edge of the package is lifted, the package pivots on the lower stop and rolls forward, automatically transitioning from a secured position to a retrieval-ready position without requiring manual removal of the stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling motion initiated by lifting the package creates a dynamic movement that facilitates retrieval. The package rolls forward along the inclined support, using gravitational force and mechanical motion to overcome the securing effect of the lower stop.
4Stability of the object's composition
If upper stop is close to lower stop, then package tipping is prevented, but package deformation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper stop features a curved or arched surface instead of a sharp edge. This curvature distributes the contact pressure across a larger area of the package, preventing concentrated stress points that could cause deformation while still effectively preventing tipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the upper stop is modified to change the distribution of contact forces. By creating an arched surface, the stop changes from a point-contact restraint to a distributed-contact restraint, reducing the risk of localized deformation while maintaining tipping prevention.
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 trolley design significantly reduces packaging deformation, facilitates faster and safer handling, and optimizes the packaging process by allowing multiple packages to be handled without increasing ground grip, while the unloading station ensures efficient transfer and labeling, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined plane support relative to the horizontal, equipped with a horizontal lower stop to prevent the packaging from slipping and to support the packaging in a position where it presents two vertical faces
Implementation Method 2
an upper stop positioned above the support whose distance from the lower stop is less than the length of the diagonal of a vertical face of the packaging. Thanks to these features, the opening of each package, tray, or carton is angled, making it easier to position items inside. The upper stop prevents the package from tipping
Implementation Method 3
the trolley of the invention includes a freely rotating horizontal roller mounted on the lower stop. Thanks to these arrangements, when a person or a machine lifts the lower edge of the packaging held by the lower stop, the packaging supported by the inclined support rolls onto the horizontal roller and comes out
Data Source
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AI summary
The trolley (20) for handling at least one predetermined package (37) in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, comprises, for each package to be transported: - a support (26) inclined plane relative to the horizontal, equipped with a horizontal lower stop (28) to prevent the package from slipping and to support the package in a position where it presents two vertical faces and - an upper stop (29) positioned above the support whose distance from the lower stop is less than the length of the diagonal of a vertical face of the package.