Layer Pattern Device With Rotating Work Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing and palletizing technologies face limitations in throughput and space efficiency, particularly when multiple handling devices are required to increase capacity, leading to large and cumbersome systems that are impractical for spaces with limited room.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple horizontal conveyor belts and work systems, including manipulators and alignment belts, that rotate and offset piece goods to form a defined layer pattern on a forming belt, allowing for high throughput and compact design by interacting through a control unit to create a predefined formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple handling devices are provided to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but device dimensions and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple handling functions are merged into a single integrated device. The patent combines multiple horizontal conveying devices with different conveying directions, work systems for receiving and rotating piece goods, and a forming belt into one compact unit. This allows multiple piece goods to be processed simultaneously by different work systems within the same device footprint, achieving high throughput without proportionally increasing device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by having piece goods stand upright during conveying and processing. Multiple horizontal conveying devices are arranged at different positions and angles, with work systems positioned to access piece goods from above. This vertical utilization of space allows compact arrangement of multiple processing stations without increasing horizontal footprint.
2Productivity
If multiple horizontal conveying devices are used with parallel conveying directions, then productivity is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The work systems are designed with universal functionality to handle piece goods from multiple different horizontal conveying devices. Each work system can receive piece goods from any of the conveying devices, rotate them, and place them on the forming belt. This multi-functional design reduces the need for dedicated handling mechanisms for each conveying device, simplifying the overall system despite having multiple parallel conveying paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming belt acts as an intermediary element that receives piece goods from multiple horizontal conveying devices through various work systems. This central receiving point simplifies the coordination between multiple conveying devices with different directions, as all piece goods converge at the forming belt for final arrangement, reducing the complexity of direct interactions between multiple conveying devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If piece goods are rotated and offset by work systems, then manufacturing precision of layer pattern is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work systems utilize the inherent motion and positioning capabilities of the horizontal conveying devices to bring piece goods into position, then perform only the necessary rotation and offsetting movements. The conveying devices themselves serve to pre-position piece goods, reducing the workload and complexity of the work systems. Each work system focuses on the specific task of orienting and placing piece goods correctly on the forming belt.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device (1) for producing a defined layer pattern from a plurality of piece goods. The device (1) comprises at least two horizontal conveying units (10, 20, 30), each of which can transport piece goods and has conveying directions (FR) oriented parallel relation to each other. In addition, a plurality of work systems (12, 22, 32), which receive transported piece goods via the at least two horizontal conveying units (10, 20, 30), rotate about a vertical axis and can move obliquely to the parallel conveying directions (FR). At least one separate work system (12, 22, 32), for receiving, rotating and obliquely displacing the transported piece goods thereof, is assigned to each of the at least two horizontal conveying units (10, 20, 30). The plurality of work systems (12, 22, 32) interact via a control unit (S) such that a predefined formation is produced from the plurality of piece goods transported via the at least two horizontal conveying units (10, 20, 30) by means of rotation and/or oblique displacement.