Assembly station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rickhouse construction methods are labor-intensive and prone to structural issues due to uneven weight distribution, leading to potential collapse, as they rely on compression members and joints that can pull away from each other under unbalanced loading, necessitating manual adjustments and the use of plumb bobs for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system for barrels that includes pre-assembled modules with integrated walkways and standardized joints, allowing for rapid on-site construction and reduced on-site labor, using vertical post assemblies and a dunnage feeder conveyor system to secure and align modules, eliminating the need for plumb bobs and minimizing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional rickhouse construction methods using compression members and joints are used, then the structure can be assembled with simple components, but the joints can pull away from each other under unbalanced loading causing structural instability
Solution Approach 1:
The rickhouse structure is divided into modular rick units that can be independently assembled and configured. Each module contains standardized joints and compression members that can be pre-assembled and then combined on-site, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Critical structural components including compression members, joints, and modular rick units are pre-assembled and pre-positioned during manufacturing before transport to the installation site. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and reduces on-site labor while maintaining structural reliability through controlled manufacturing conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly methods are used for traditional rickhouse construction, then flexibility in on-site adjustments is possible, but significant manpower and time are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized modules that can be quickly assembled using simple connection mechanisms. This segmentation enables rapid on-site assembly while maintaining the ability to adjust configurations by adding or removing modules, thus preserving adaptability while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are pre-assembled with standardized joints and alignment features during manufacturing, enabling rapid on-site assembly with minimal manual adjustment. The pre-positioning of critical components maintains flexibility for final configuration adjustments while significantly reducing assembly time and manpower requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If compression members and joints are used in traditional construction, then the structure can be built with conventional materials, but uneven weight distribution causes members to pull away creating stress and potential collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses modular rick units with distributed support points that segment the load path throughout the structure. This segmentation prevents concentration of stress at single joints while maintaining compatibility with conventional materials, thereby improving load distribution capacity without sacrificing ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized intermediate joints and connection elements are introduced between compression members and load-bearing points. These intermediary components distribute forces more evenly across multiple contact points, preventing the pull-away effect while working with conventional materials and maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly station for assembling modules used in a modular storage system for barrels. The modular storage system includes a base rick module, an aisle rick module, and an end rick module, whereby a plurality of each module type may be assembled to construct a rickhouse. The assembly station can include a vertical post assembly station, transfer rollers, a main module assembly area, dunnage supports, and a dunnage feeder conveyor system.