Mobile Crate Stacking Device with Vertical Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crate stacking systems are inefficient as they require a permanent frame installation, making the storage floor difficult to access for cleaning and limiting flexibility in using the space for other purposes, especially in hygienic environments like bakeries or butchers where space-saving and easy access are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A crate stacking device with a chassis that can move on wheels, a vertical stacking device for adding or removing crates from the bottom of a stack, and a storage device that can be positioned relative to the vertical stacking device to allow for easy storage and retrieval of crates on the floor, eliminating the need for a permanent frame and enabling flexible use of storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a permanent frame is used to hold stacks of crates, then the crates can be stored stably at height, but the storage floor becomes difficult to access for cleaning and the space cannot be flexibly used for other purposes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack stabilityVSAvoidfloor accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static permanent frame with a mobile chassis that can move along rails. The stacking device is not fixed to the building structure but can be repositioned freely, allowing the storage floor to be accessed and cleaned when the device is moved away, while still providing stable crate stacking when in position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a permanent frame is installed to store crates, then space-saving vertical storage is achieved, but the entire floor area below the frame becomes difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidfloor accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking device uses a mobile chassis that travels along rails rather than being permanently installed. This allows the device to occupy minimal space during operation while leaving the floor area accessible when the chassis is positioned at the edges or moved away, resolving the conflict between space utilization and floor accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of stationary object

If a permanent frame structure is used, then crates can be stacked to maximum height, but the device cannot be easily repositioned or adapted for different uses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack heightVSAvoidspace flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile chassis design allows the stacking device to be repositioned along the rails to different locations in the storage room. The device can accommodate various stack heights and configurations while maintaining mobility, enabling flexible adaptation to different storage needs and room layouts without being constrained by permanent installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2700597B1Apparatus and method for stacking or unstacking crates
Publication Date: 2015.10.14 REICH KONRAD
  • EP2700597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2700597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2700597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The box stacking device (1) comprises a chassis frame (10), which is movable along a horizontal movement direction (R-l). A vertical stacking unit (30) is coupled with the chassis frame, which is designed such that the stacking unit receives a box while receiving boxes from ground in a box stack placed in the vertical stacking unit and delivers the box placed in the box stack while delivery of boxes. A placing unit (50) and the vertical stacking unit are moved from a primary position into a secondary position corresponding to each other in the movement direction.