Intermediate Layer Fixing for Fast Changeover of Stacked Piece Goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling stacked layers of goods require time-consuming manual adjustments and product-specific setups when changing products, leading to inefficiencies in adapting to new product formats.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that includes a sliding frame for moving the top layer and a fixing device with adjustable elements, guided by sensors for automatic positioning, to securely transfer layers while maintaining the integrity of intermediate layers, allowing rapid adaptation to different product configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of holding devices is performed for each product change, then the holding devices can be positioned accurately for the specific container arrangement, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and disrupts production
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of container positions and intermediate layer locations using sensors before the actual holding device adjustment. This advance information gathering allows the control unit to pre-calculate optimal holding positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement and positioning during production changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding devices are equipped with automatic positioning capability that uses sensor data to self-adjust their locations. The control unit automatically moves the holding devices to the correct positions based on detected container arrangements, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on manual intervention for repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holding devices are manually repositioned for different container sizes and shapes, then the device can adapt to new product formats, but production interruptions occur during the repositioning process
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects container positions and intermediate layer locations in advance using sensors, allowing the control unit to pre-plan and execute holding device repositioning operations before the next production batch begins. This preliminary action enables seamless transitions between different container formats without stopping production.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding devices are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to move automatically between different locations based on detected product configurations. This dynamic adjustment system can quickly adapt to various container sizes and shapes while maintaining continuous operation, as the devices can be repositioned during production cycles rather than requiring separate setup time.
3Device complexity
If the intermediate layer is not securely fixed during layer removal, then the device structure remains simple, but the intermediate layer may be pulled along with the container layer, disrupting further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer fixing system uses automatic detection of layer positions and intermediate layer locations to self-position holding devices. The control unit automatically adjusts holding device positions based on sensor feedback, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while ensuring reliable intermediate layer stabilization during container layer removal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) and a method for handling stacked layers of individual items (12), each layer (12) comprising a plurality of individual items (13), wherein a planar intermediate layer (14) is arranged between each layer of individual items (12). The device (1) comprises at least one frame (20) with a horizontally movable sliding frame (4) for the layer of individual items, at least one intermediate layer removal device (9), and at least one fixing device (15) for fixing an intermediate layer (14) when the individual items (13) of an uppermost layer of individual items arranged on this intermediate layer (14) are pushed off. The fixing device (15) comprises at least two fixing means (16) which are adjustable relative to each other.