Movable Loading Head for Bag Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo reloading devices are limited in their ability to load and unload cargo units, particularly stacks of bags, as they require constant delivery and return of pallets, and existing solutions cannot handle stacks of bags without damaging the lowest bags due to the need for an elastic base or support plate.
Innovation Solution
A device with a carrier device and support part that temporarily supports cargo units from below, featuring a movable retaining device and a driver device for aligning load carriers, allowing for the option to load cargo units directly on a transport area or on pallets, enabling both pallet-free and pallet-based loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stacks of bags are loaded directly on the loading area without pallets, then loading efficiency and density are improved, but the ability to use forklifts for unloading is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The loading head is designed with movable support parts that can extend and retract. When extending, they place bags directly on the loading area for efficient loading. When retracted, they allow pallets to be positioned underneath for forklift unloading. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt between different loading modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading head is designed to perform multiple functions: it can load bags directly onto the loading area, load bags onto pallets, and accommodate both manual and mechanical unloading methods. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between loading efficiency and unloading flexibility.
2Reliability
If a support plate is pushed under stacks of bags to hold them, then the stacks can be supported, but the lowest bags are destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The support parts are designed to be movable rather than fixed. They extend to support the bags during loading and then retract before the bags are released, allowing the bags to be placed on the loading area without a permanent support structure that would damage them.
Solution Approach 2:
The support parts extend in advance to provide support during the critical loading phase, then retract before the bags are transferred to the final position. This preliminary support action prevents bag damage while maintaining support capability during loading.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pallets are used for loading stacks of bags, then stable transport is ensured, but constant delivery and return of pallets is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between using pallets and direct loading based on requirements. When pallets are used, they provide stable transport. When direct loading is used, loading cycle efficiency is improved. The movable support parts enable this dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading head can load bags directly onto the loading area without requiring external pallet delivery services. This self-service capability eliminates the need for constant pallet delivery and return, improving productivity while maintaining the option to use pallets when needed.
4Device complexity
If the support part is fixed in position, then simple structure is maintained, but the ability to release and reposition load units is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is made movable along the longitudinal direction of the loading head through a drive mechanism. This allows the support part to extend for loading, retract for release, and reposition for different loading positions, providing versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure through linear motion.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a loading head (1) and method for receiving and/or discharging a load unit (101) in a loading process, wherein the loading head comprises a carrier unit (80) and a bearing unit (2, 3) received thereon and having a bearing part (4, 5) with a support surface (6, 7). The bearing unit (2, 3) is provided and designed for supporting the load unit (101) from below by means of the support surface (6, 7) of the bearing part (4, 5) during the loading process. A retaining unit (8) is received on the carrier unit (80), having a retaining surface (9) oriented transverse to the support surface (6, 7) of the bearing part (4, 5). The bearing part (4, 5) can move relative to the retaining unit (8) in order to release the load unit (101) from the loading head (1) and transfer same to a loading surface (204) of a separate transport means (203), by moving the bearing part (4, 5) backwards relative to the retaining unit (8). There is also a follower unit (70) having a follower (71) provided on the carrier unit (80), which is designed and configured to align a transportable load carrier (90) on the loading surface (204) of the transport means (203), on which a load unit is to be set down, when required during a movement of the loading head (1), in order to optionally set down the load unit onto a a transportable load carrier (90) aligned with the loading head (10) on the loading surface (204) of the transport means (203).