Modular tray dispensing installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray dispensing installations require complex and labor-intensive processes to change between different tray sizes, posing risks to personnel due to heavy equipment handling and potential damage during size transitions.
Innovation Solution
A modular tray dispensing installation is divided into a denester unit and a tray storage unit, connected via interface means, allowing for easy replacement and adjustment of the denester unit to accommodate various tray sizes, with guide towers on orthogonal axles for precise alignment and secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire tray dispensing installation is replaced to change tray sizes, then the correct tray size is achieved, but the personnel burden and risk increase due to handling heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The tray dispensing installation is divided into separate modular units: a tray storage unit and a denester unit. This segmentation allows the denester unit to be replaced independently when tray size changes are needed, eliminating the need to handle and replace the entire heavy installation. The modular design directly reduces personnel burden while maintaining tray size adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire tray dispensing installation is replaced to change tray sizes, then the correct tray size is achieved, but the risk of damage to equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the installation into replaceable denester units and a stable tray storage unit, the system allows controlled replacement of only the necessary component. This reduces handling of heavy equipment and minimizes the risk of accidental damage to surrounding installation during size transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface means are designed with guiding features (such as a tap fitting into a hole) that ensure correct alignment and positioning before final assembly. This preliminary guidance prevents misalignment and potential damage during the replacement process, maintaining equipment reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a modular design with interface means is used, then assembly errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface means incorporate pre-designed guiding features such as a tap on one part fitting into a corresponding hole in the other part. This preliminary alignment mechanism greatly simplifies the assembly process by providing built-in guidance that prevents incorrect assembly, making the interface intuitive and error-resistant despite the modular complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Modular tray dispensing installation, comprising two separate units: - A denester unit, comprising a through-going passage, suitable to guide a determined size of tray through the denester unit, and where dispensing means at least including a denester wheel is arranged in said passage for dispensing trays one by one from a stack of trays onto an underlying receiver; - A tray storage unit comprising means for guiding and supporting a stack of trays towards the denesting unit; - Interface means for connecting the denester unit to the tray storage unit.