Mixed Container Arrangement on Pallet Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bottling plants face limitations in pallet space utilization and container weight distribution due to differences in container types, leading to inefficiencies in packaging and transportation of beverages or pharmaceutical products.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that arrange containers of varying types (based on height, base area, base shape, and mechanical strength) on a container carrier to maximize packing density and mechanical stability, using identifiers for efficient positioning and distribution, allowing for flexible combination of container types on a single carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containers of different types are arranged on a container carrier, then the flexibility of order picking is improved, but the complexity of arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific positions on the container carrier to specific container types based on their parameters. Each position has defined characteristics (e.g., load-bearing capacity, spatial coordinates) that match specific container types, allowing flexible arrangement while maintaining systematic organization. The control device manages this position-specific assignment to resolve the complexity issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-defining valid positions and arrangement rules on the container carrier before containers are placed. The system预先 establishes which container types can be placed at which positions based on their parameters, so that during actual operation, the control device only needs to match containers to pre-approved positions, reducing real-time decision complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If more containers are arranged on a pallet, then the utilization of pallet space is improved, but the mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the load-bearing capacity and stability requirements of different positions on the container carrier. Critical positions (e.g., corners, lower layers) are assigned to containers with higher mechanical strength, while less critical positions can accommodate more numerous or lighter containers. This position-specific quality assignment maximizes both quantity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically selecting container types based on their mechanical parameters (strength, weight, dimensions) to match the requirements of each position. The control device adjusts the arrangement by changing which container parameters are prioritized for which positions, optimizing the balance between quantity and stability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If containers with higher top load capacity are used, then the number of layers is improved, but the space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning containers with higher top load capacity specifically to positions where they are needed (e.g., lower layers that bear more weight), rather than uniformly using high-capacity containers throughout. This allows maximizing the number of layers in critical areas while using space more efficiently in less critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses another dimension by optimizing the three-dimensional arrangement of containers across multiple layers. The control device considers vertical positioning (layer assignment) as an additional dimension, matching container types to specific layers based on their top load capacity and dimensions, thereby maximizing both layer count and overall space utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The method involves providing the filled containers (5), where the height, ground area, floor space form and mechanical strength of each container are different. The containers are placed on the container carrier (7) in accordance with number and position of containers. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for manufacturing filled containers; (2) device for assembling filled containers; and (3) device for manufacturing filled containers.