Mobile Palletizer with Multi-Layer Stacking for Multiple Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletizing systems are limited in their ability to efficiently handle and load containers from multiple mobile conveyors independently and to form optimal mosaics across multiple overlapping layers on a single pallet, often requiring multiple fixed palletizers and resulting in inefficiencies and discontinuities in product feeding.
Innovation Solution
A versatile palletizing apparatus featuring a mobile multi-flat structure with adjustable leaning planes and a pusher system, allowing for the formation and storage of container mosaics across multiple layers on a single pallet, and a single palletizer that can be moved between different conveyors to manage containers from various sources, optimizing space and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed palletizers are used to handle containers from multiple conveyors, then each conveyor can be serviced independently, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single palletizer is designed to service multiple conveyors by moving between them. The palletizer includes a mobile support structure with wheels that allows it to travel along rails positioned beneath different conveyors, enabling one device to perform the function of multiple fixed palletizers
Solution Approach 2:
The palletizer transitions from a static fixed position to a mobile dynamic position. The support structure with wheels and rail system allows the palletizer to move dynamically between different conveyors, adapting its position based on which conveyor needs servicing at any given time
2Device complexity
If a single mobile palletizer is used to service multiple conveyors, then device complexity is reduced, but the palletizer must move between conveyors causing time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The palletizer is positioned in advance beneath each conveyor along the rail system, ready to service that conveyor when needed. The mobile support structure allows pre-positioning at different locations without requiring complex reconfiguration, minimizing transition time between conveyors
3Productivity
If containers are loaded in a single layer on pallets, then the loading process is simpler, but the space utilization and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism transitions from single-layer horizontal stacking to multi-layer vertical stacking. The palletizer is equipped with a lifting mechanism that raises the pallet vertically, allowing containers to be stacked in multiple layers upward, thereby increasing space utilization without requiring a larger horizontal loading area
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of an apparatus for palletizing which serves a plurality of conveyors transporting respective successions of cases, realising a storage means on the unloading area of each conveyor, so that during the period of storage of the cases coming from the same conveyor, the palletizer is transferred in correspondence of another conveyor wherein the respective storage has already been completed, so as to use a sole palletizer for a plurality of distinct conveyors. This apparatus for palletizing a plurality of cases comprises a conveyor with an unloading area, an open structure composed of a plurality of support planes basically identical and arranged vertically one on top of the other, and separated by respective hollow spaces, first pushers which displace the cases from said unloading area of said mobile conveyor, towards and into a respective one of said hollow spaces, a transferring plate in a position adjacent to said open structure, displacement means, in particular second pushers apt at transferring said cases contained in respective one of said hollow spaces from it towards and on a palletizing means.