Movable Ramp for Pallet Truck Transfer in Wrapping Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems are inefficient and costly for transferring palletized loads to wrapping apparatuses due to mechanical complexity and space requirements, and existing solutions like ramp-type systems and conveyor cut-outs have not been feasible for pallet trucks with bottom plates, leading to issues with alignment and damage.
Innovation Solution
A conveyorized wrapping system with an infeed area featuring an inclined ramp and conveyor, including a movable portion to support the pallet truck's wheel assemblies and guide rails to align the pallet, allowing for efficient transfer of palletized loads onto the conveyor without damaging the pallet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional conveyors are used to transport palletized loads, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to mechanical complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pallet truck from the conventional conveyor system by providing a separate transfer mechanism. The pallet truck operates independently and transfers loads to the conveyor through a simplified transfer point, eliminating the need for complex integration between manual forklift operations and automated conveyor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary transfer mechanism that connects the pallet truck and conveyor. This intermediary allows smooth transition of palletized loads between manual and automated handling without requiring direct mechanical coupling, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity.
2Device complexity
If conveyor cut-outs are used to transfer palletized loads, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to alignment issues and damage to pallets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a movable transfer platform that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic mechanism ensures proper alignment between the pallet truck and conveyor during load transfer, preventing misalignment issues and pallet damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the transfer interface by providing an adjustable transfer platform. This allows modification of the transfer geometry to accommodate different pallet sizes and positions, ensuring reliable load transfer without damaging the pallet or causing misalignment.
3Device complexity
If ramp-type solutions are used to transfer palletized loads, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient material handling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides continuous material handling by enabling the pallet truck to load and unload continuously at the transfer point. The movable transfer platform allows uninterrupted operation, eliminating the need for ramp-type solutions that require periodic stopping and positioning adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.