Movable Service Module for Handling Device Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling and packaging systems face challenges in maintaining gripper heads and sets without disrupting regular operation, as maintenance is complicated by poor accessibility within the magazine, leading to machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system with a service module that allows for the separation and removal of maintenance-intensive parts, such as gripper heads, from the magazine, enabling easy access for maintenance while keeping the machine operational, using a movable service module that can be equipped with gripper heads and other components for transfer to a convenient maintenance position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gripper heads and sets are stored in the magazine for quick access during operation, then productivity is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into multiple compartments or levels, with specific sections designated for different types of gripper heads and sets. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific components more easily without disrupting the entire magazine structure, while still maintaining organized storage for quick operational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine structure incorporates vertical and horizontal accessibility features, such as removable panels or elevators, that allow maintenance personnel to reach gripper heads from multiple directions. This dimensional approach enables maintenance access without requiring complete disassembly or relocation of components.
2Device complexity
If maintenance is performed on gripper heads within the magazine, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to machine blocking
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile maintenance platform or robotic arm is introduced as an intermediary device that can reach into the magazine interior to perform maintenance tasks on gripper heads. This intermediary enables maintenance operations without requiring personnel to enter the magazine or block the machine, thus maintaining productivity while simplifying the maintenance process.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual maintenance operations are replaced with automated robotic systems that can service gripper heads within the magazine. This substitution eliminates the need for machine shutdowns, as the robotic system can perform maintenance tasks while the machine continues to operate, maintaining productivity while reducing the complexity of manual maintenance procedures.
3Area of stationary object
If the magazine structure is made compact for space efficiency, then area utilization is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine employs a nested structure where smaller compartments are arranged within larger ones, creating a compact footprint while maintaining organized storage. Maintenance access is achieved through strategically placed openings or removable sections that provide reachability to nested components without requiring a larger overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine incorporates flexible or thin-walled panels that can be easily opened or removed to provide maintenance access. These flexible structures maintain the compact外形 when closed but can be quickly opened to reveal internal components, allowing maintenance personnel to access gripper heads without requiring a large maintenance opening.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (10) and a method for handling packaged goods, individual items, and/or containers are disclosed. The system (12) comprises a handling and/or packaging machine (12) which has at least one handling device with gripper heads for picking up individual items such as liquid containers or the like and for introducing them into intermediate containers, forming containers, and/or for removing them from these intermediate containers, as well as infeed frames associated with the handling device and corresponding to the size of the items and/or containers for introducing the items into the intermediate containers.Furthermore, the system (10) comprises a magazine (14) located in a fixed position and/or in a spatially defined position relative to the handling and/or packaging machine (12), with several storage positions for receiving sets. Each set consists of at least one handling device with its associated gripper heads and an insertion frame assigned to the respective handling device and automatically lockable to it. The magazine (14) is designed and equipped to receive several sets, each of which can be moved between a working position on the handling and/or packaging machine (12) and a rest position in one of the storage positions. At least one of the storage positions of the magazine (14) is formed by a service module (52) that is spatially separable from and movable from the magazine (14) and can receive one set or parts of a set.