Inspection Transfer Lift for Precise Positioning and Safe Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object inspection apparatuses pose safety risks to operators due to manual handling and lack precise positioning, leading to potential accidents during the inspection process.

Innovation Solution

A transfer apparatus with a lift mechanism and support frame that allows for precise positioning and movement of objects, incorporating a transfer belt and sensors for safe and accurate inspection, preventing accidents by ensuring the object is securely held and positioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual handling is used for object inspection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety of operators deteriorates due to potential accidents during manual replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus automatically transfers objects between the placement position and inspection position without requiring manual handling. The lift mechanism self-adjusts to accommodate different object heights, and the transfer mechanism autonomously performs the transfer operation, eliminating the need for operator intervention and thus preventing safety accidents while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated transfer mechanism that includes a lift and transfer apparatus. This substitution eliminates direct operator contact with moving parts while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the use of straightforward lift and transfer mechanisms rather than complex robotic systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual handling is used for object inspection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision deteriorates leading to inaccurate inspection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus automatically transfers objects between the placement position and inspection position without requiring manual handling. The lift mechanism self-adjusts to accommodate different object heights, and the transfer mechanism autonomously performs the transfer operation, eliminating the need for operator intervention and thus preventing safety accidents while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated transfer mechanism that includes a lift and transfer apparatus. This substitution eliminates direct operator contact with moving parts while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the use of straightforward lift and transfer mechanisms rather than complex robotic systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If automated transfer mechanism is introduced to improve safety, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like ball screw and servomotor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus automatically transfers objects between the placement position and inspection position without requiring manual handling. The lift mechanism self-adjusts to accommodate different object heights, and the transfer mechanism autonomously performs the transfer operation, eliminating the need for operator intervention and thus preventing safety accidents while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified transfer mechanism that copies the essential function of more complex automated systems without requiring ball screws or servomotors. The lift and transfer apparatus replicate the safety benefits of sophisticated automated transfer systems while maintaining mechanical simplicity through direct mechanical actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Manufacturing precision

If automated transfer mechanism is introduced to improve positioning precision, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus automatically transfers objects between the placement position and inspection position without requiring manual handling. The lift mechanism self-adjusts to accommodate different object heights, and the transfer mechanism autonomously performs the transfer operation, eliminating the need for operator intervention and thus preventing safety accidents while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified transfer mechanism that copies the essential function of more complex automated systems without requiring ball screws or servomotors. The lift and transfer apparatus replicate the positioning precision benefits of sophisticated automated transfer systems while maintaining mechanical simplicity through direct mechanical actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 solution enables efficient and accurate object inspection with improved safety by ensuring precise positioning and secure handling, reducing the risk of operator injury and enhancing inspection reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a transfer belt wound around the transfer pulley to be rotatable and configured to support the lower surface of the transferred article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11867747B2Transfer apparatus for inspection apparatus, inspection apparatus, and object inspection method using same
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 KOHYOUNG TECH
  • US11867747B2 patent drawing
  • US11867747B2 patent drawing
  • US11867747B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transfer apparatus for an inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an upper end engaging portion configured to make contact with an upper surface of a transferred article; a support frame to which the upper end engaging portion is fixed; a lift including a support part configured to support a lower surface of the transferred article, the lift arranged on the support frame to be movable in an up-down direction; and a lifting driver configured to provide a driving force to move the lift in the up-down direction.