Movable Transition System for Pallet Transfer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletizing and depalletizing devices face disruptions due to lifting systems needing to be lower than the conveyor level, causing pallets to tip and products to fall, leading to system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lifting system that includes a movable transition system and guide unit, allowing the lifting system to operate below the conveyor level without interfering with pallet transport, ensuring secure and level pallet movement between conveyors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lifting system is positioned below the conveyor level to avoid interference with pallet feeding, then the lifting system does not obstruct conveyor operation, but the pallet becomes unstable and may tip over causing product damage
Solution Approach 1:
A transition system acts as an intermediary element between the horizontal conveyor and the vertical lifting system. This transition system includes a transition plate that provides a level surface for pallets during the transfer from conveyor to lifting position, ensuring stability while enabling the lifting system to operate below conveyor level. The transition system mediates between the conflicting requirements of conveyor clearance and pallet stability.
2Ease of operation
If the lifting beam is positioned in the gap between conveyors, then the lifting system can operate without interfering with pallet transport, but the gap must be enlarged reducing structural compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is designed with vertical movability, allowing the lifting beam to be positioned in the gap between conveyors during operation and potentially repositioned when not in use. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to maintain operational clearance while optimizing structural compactness when the lifting function is not active.
3Productivity
If the transition system is fixed at conveyor level, then pallets can transfer smoothly between conveyors, but the lifting system cannot be positioned below conveyor level
Solution Approach 1:
The transition system is designed to be vertically movable rather than fixed. This allows the transition plate to be positioned at conveyor level during pallet transfer to ensure smooth operation, and then moved downward to allow the lifting beam to operate below conveyor level. The dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between transfer efficiency and lifting system positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition system is segmented into movable components, including the transition plate and supporting structure, that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows the transition plate to maintain level contact with conveyors during transfer while the supporting structure can be positioned below conveyor level to accommodate the lifting beam.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device (1) has conveyors (3,5) which are spaced from each other with a gap (S) in the transport direction (T). A transition system (11) is arranged on a lifting bar (9) transversely to the transport direction and is formed in the vertical direction (V) in a movable manner.