Mobile Stacker Unit With Motorized Lifting for Safer Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual stacking of article arrays is inefficient, labor-intensive, hazardous, and prone to damage, limiting the height of stacks and incurring costs due to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile stacking apparatus with stacker arms and a lifting mechanism, including a motor-driven vertical frame, allows for automated stacking and unstacking of article arrays from half-high to full-high loads, reducing the need for multiple operators and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual stacking by personnel is used, then the stacking process can be performed with simple equipment, but the stacking efficiency is low and it is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stacking by personnel with an automated stacking apparatus that uses a lifting mechanism, stacker arms, and control system. The apparatus automatically lifts pallets, positions them on the stacker arms, and stacks them vertically, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly improving stacking efficiency while reducing the time required to complete stacking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking apparatus is designed to perform stacking operations autonomously once positioned. The lifting mechanism automatically raises pallets, the stacker arms automatically position and stack them, and the system can operate without continuous manual intervention. This self-service capability allows the apparatus to maintain high stacking efficiency while requiring minimal operational complexity from the user.
2Reliability
If manual stacking by personnel is used, then the equipment required is simple, but the stacking process is hazardous for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hazardous manual stacking by replacing personnel with an automated stacking apparatus. The lifting mechanism raises heavy pallets automatically, the stacker arms securely hold and position articles, and the entire stacking process occurs without human exposure to physical hazards. This substitution dramatically improves safety while the automated control system manages the complexity of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking apparatus acts as an intermediary between the pallets and the final stacked configuration. Rather than personnel directly handling and stacking heavy articles, the apparatus mediates this process through its lifting mechanism, stacker arms, and control systems. This intermediary role eliminates direct human exposure to physical hazards while maintaining safe and reliable stacking operations.
3Reliability
If manual stacking by personnel is used, then the equipment required is simple, but there is damage or breakage to the article during stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces article damage by replacing manual stacking with an automated apparatus that uses controlled mechanical movements. The lifting mechanism raises pallets smoothly without sudden movements, the stacker arms gently position and support articles during stacking, and the controlled automation eliminates rough handling. This results in improved article integrity while the sophisticated control system manages the complexity of precise positioning and handling.
4Length of stationary object
If manual stacking by personnel is used, then the equipment required is simple, but there is a limit as to how high the personnel can stack the article arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the height limitation of manual stacking by using a motor-driven lifting mechanism that can raise pallets to greater heights than human capability. The vertical lifting system, supported by a stable frame structure and controlled by a motor, enables the apparatus to stack articles at heights inaccessible to manual labor. The control system manages the complexity of operating at these elevated positions, allowing safe and reliable stacking at increased heights.
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
The apparatus enables efficient, safe, and time-saving stacking and unstacking processes, requiring minimal labor and reducing article damage, while allowing for higher stack heights without manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting arrangement includes at least a motor to move the stacker unit in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile stacking apparatus for stacking an article array includes a stacker unit having a pair of stacker arms for containing at least one article array therebetween, each stacker arm includes a plurality of supports for supporting the at least one article array, the plurality of supports are configured to move in and out of the stacker arm caused by a movement of a movable handle attached on the stacker arm, and a vertical frame containing a lifting arrangement, the lifting arrangement includes at least a motor to move the stacker unit in a vertical direction.