Lateral Load Carrier Engagement for Compact Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackers and destackers for transport containers require synchronization of lifting and gripping movements on both sides, necessitating complex control systems and increased space usage, which is inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A lateral lifting device with engagement elements that engage load carriers from one side, utilizing a single drive for synchronized vertical and horizontal movements, allowing for efficient stacking and unstacking without the need for dual-sided support and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two-sided gripping mechanisms are used for stacking and destacking, then lifting stability is improved, but space requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a symmetric two-sided gripping mechanism to an asymmetric one-sided engagement system. The engagement element is positioned laterally offset from the conveyor track centerline, engaging load carriers from only one side. This asymmetric arrangement reduces the space required while maintaining lifting stability through the strategic positioning of the engagement element and its interaction with the load carrier geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the engagement element from the conventional two-sided support structure, removing the need for symmetric placement on both sides of the conveyor track. By taking out one side of the gripping mechanism and relying on a single lateral engagement element, the system reduces space requirements while maintaining functional effectiveness through the engagement element's ability to provide both support and gripping actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used for lifting and gripping movements on both sides, then operational independence is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lifting and gripping functions into a single integrated engagement element that performs both actions simultaneously. The engagement element is designed to provide both vertical support (lifting) and lateral gripping forces through its geometric configuration and interaction with the load carrier, eliminating the need for separate motors and control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element serves multiple functions: it provides lateral gripping force to secure the load carrier, vertical support for lifting operations, and positioning control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing control system complexity while maintaining operational versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical synchronization is used for lifting elements on both sides, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization requirement entirely by eliminating the second lifting element. Instead of using mechanical synchronization mechanisms to coordinate two lifting elements, the system uses a single lateral engagement element that inherently provides synchronized action through its unified structure and single-point engagement with the load carrier.
4Force
If engagement elements are positioned close together for engagement, then gripping effectiveness is improved, but clearance for vertical movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by transitioning the engagement element's movement from a purely horizontal plane to a three-dimensional path that includes vertical components. The engagement element moves laterally close to the load carrier for effective gripping, then moves vertically along the load carrier's side, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide clearance and avoid collision while maintaining gripping effectiveness through lateral positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The demand for load carriers (4) in conveyor systems is often asymmetrical, particularly in airport baggage handling systems. After the goods have been unloaded, the load carriers (4) are sometimes not needed or are needed at a different location within the conveyor system. To efficiently store the load carriers, they are stacked when not in use and unstacked when needed. Existing solutions require a large number of moving components that must be synchronized and/or a large amount of space. The invention discloses a system (2) and a method for stacking and/or unstacking load carriers (4). The system (2) comprises a conveyor (6), a control unit (14), and a lifting device (10) for the load carriers (4) arranged laterally to the conveyor (6), wherein the lifting device (10) comprises two engagement elements (12) that can be brought into engagement with the load carriers (4).