Multi-level Product Transfer System for Continuous Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for transferring and assembling products, such as mineral fiber insulation, experience interruptions and slowdowns due to the need for a buffer zone during the stacking process, which is not feasible for continuous production.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system that allows continuous operation by positioning itself at different levels to accommodate accumulating products, enabling uninterrupted transfer and assembly by returning to its initial position while products continue to be transported, thus optimizing the transfer and assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If products are accumulated on a buffer zone during transfer and assembly, then the stacking process can be completed, but the receiving area is occupied and cannot receive new products, causing interruptions in continuous production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous productionVSAvoidinterruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving area is divided into multiple levels (first reception level and second reception level) to create separate accumulation zones. This segmentation allows products to be accumulated on one level while another level remains available for receiving new products, eliminating the need to stop production during buffer zone evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-level receiving area to a multi-level vertical structure. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple reception levels, the system can simultaneously accumulate products and receive new products without interference, maintaining continuous production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the receiving area is used as a buffer zone to complete stacking, then products can be assembled, but the area cannot be freed quickly enough, causing delays in product evacuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidbuffer zone management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving area is segmented into multiple independent levels that can operate simultaneously. This allows the assembly process to continue on one level while evacuation occurs from another level, reducing the complexity of buffer zone management by creating parallel operational zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-level receiving area enables continuous assembly operations without interruption. While one level is being evacuated, another level continues to receive and assemble products, ensuring that the useful action of assembly never stops and buffer zone management becomes more efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If layers are put on hold on the first platform while waiting for the receiving area to be free, then stacking can be completed, but the transfer process is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer continuityVSAvoidtransfer process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing a vertical dimension with multiple reception levels, the system eliminates the need to pause the transfer process. Products can continuously move to the first reception level while the second reception level provides additional accumulation space, maintaining ease of operation and transfer continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The second reception level is prepared in advance as an additional buffer zone. This preliminary preparation of extra space prevents the need to interrupt the transfer process, as products can be directed to the second level when the first level needs to be evacuated, maintaining smooth and easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4389660A1Product transfer system
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ALFI TECH
  • EP4389660A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4389660A1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP4389660A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

A product transfer system (110) from an input zone (116) to a storage zone (114) of said products, said system comprising: - a transfer device (130) for one or more products (104) from an input zone (116), and - an evacuation device (170) onto which said one or more products (104) from the transfer device (130) are unloaded, the transfer device (130) being configured to position itself, on the one hand, at a first receiving level (N1) in which said one or more products (104) accumulate on said transfer device (130) so as to form a first set of products (106), and, on the other hand, at a second transfer level (N2) in which said first set of products (106) is transferred onto the evacuation device (170).