Manipulator Device for Automated Transport Box Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to provide a simple and reliable automated process for inserting a bundle of individual goods combined by a goods ring into a transport box.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a manipulator device with a gripping tool that pivots and aligns individual goods on a goods ring, followed by a vertical insertion into a transport sleeve, ensuring precise orientation and handling of the goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual insertion methods are used for bundles into transport boxes, then handling flexibility is maintained, but automation and efficiency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bundle structure with hanging individual goods is designed to self-align during the pivoting movement. The goods automatically orient themselves counter to the movement direction due to gravity and the retaining device, eliminating the need for complex active alignment mechanisms while maintaining automated operation.
2Extent of automation
If complex alignment mechanisms are added to automate bundle insertion, then automation level increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted from the active manipulation system and replaced by the passive retaining device that utilizes the pivoting movement itself. The retaining device simply provides a surface for goods to rest on during pivoting, while the alignment emerges naturally from the movement geometry and gravity, not from active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of actively controlling each good's orientation through complex mechanisms, the system inverts the approach by using the pivoting movement to passively induce alignment. The goods align themselves through the movement rather than being forced into alignment by actuators, simplifying the device structure.
3Productivity
If goods are inserted without alignment, then insertion speed increases, but manufacturing precision and proper orientation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment of individual goods is achieved preliminarily during the pivoting movement before the actual insertion into the transport box. The retaining device ensures goods are properly oriented counter to the movement direction during pivoting, so that when insertion occurs, alignment is already established without requiring additional time or actions.
4Productivity
If sensitive items like medication and sample bags are handled manually, then care and precision are maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitive items benefit from the self-aligning property during automated handling. The pivoting movement with retaining device automatically orients goods properly without requiring forceful manipulation, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining productivity. The system handles items gently through passive alignment rather than active forcing.
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
Enables efficient and reliable automated insertion of bundles into transport boxes, particularly for sensitive items like medication and sample bags, minimizing damage and ensuring proper alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the automatic movement of the gripping tool along the first movement path is a pivoting movement about a horizontal pivot axis... such that the individual goods hanging on the bundle are guided over a retaining device so that the individual goods are aligned counter to the direction of movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically filling a transport box (4) with a bundle of individual goods (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4), which are grouped together by means of a goods ring to form the bundle, having the steps of automatically gripping the goods ring (11) by means of a gripping tool (10) of an automatically controllable manipulator device (5) such that the goods ring (11) is held by the gripper tool (10), and automatically moving the gripper tool (10) along a first movement path (PI) by automatically controlling the manipulator device (5) in such a manner that while the goods ring (11) is held and moved by means of the gripper tool (10), the individual goods (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) suspended on the bundle (8) are guided away by a restraining apparatus (19) in such a manner that the individual goods (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) align counter to the direction of movement (R1) of the goods ring (11) along the first movement path (P1). The invention also relates to an associated manipulator device (5) designed to perform the method.