Movable Pallet Support Reducing Floor Space in Workpiece Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece processing installations require significant floor space due to the encapsulation of the operating area, making it difficult to access and manage workpieces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A pallet support system that can be moved from a bearing position to a space-saving position, reducing the protrusion from the operating area by pivoting and folding components, allowing for compact storage and easy access to the operating area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating area is encapsulated for safety reasons, then safety is improved, but accessibility to the operating area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet support is designed to be movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when supporting a pallet). This dynamic configuration allows the support structure to be present when needed for pallet support while minimizing obstruction to access and visibility when not in use, thus resolving the contradiction between safety encapsulation and accessibility.
2Reliability
If a fixed pallet support with guide rails is provided outside the operating enclosure, then pallet support functionality is improved, but floor space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet support transitions from a fixed configuration to a movable one, extending only when a pallet needs to be supported or transferred. This dynamic deployment reduces the permanent floor space occupation while maintaining full pallet support functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet support structure can be nested or folded into a compact configuration when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the support mechanism to be stored within or adjacent to the operating enclosure without requiring significant additional floor space, yet still provide full functionality when extended.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a workpiece processing installation includes an operating area, an operating pallet able to be moved along a transport direction between a position within the operating area and a position outside the operating area, the operating pallet being configured to support a workpiece, and a pallet support that is configured to be transferred from a first position, in which the pallet support defines a storage area for the storage of the operating pallet outside the operating area, to a second position in which the pallet support protrudes away from the operating area in the transport direction to a lesser extent than it does in the first position. Transferring the pallet support from the first position to the second position includes moving at least a portion of the pallet support towards the operating area which results in the storage area defined by the pallet support becoming smaller.