Offcut Glass Plate Storage Using Vertical Aerial Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for storing and reusing offcut glass plates are inefficient in terms of space usage and flexibility, as they either occupy too much floor space or require complex and costly lifting devices, and often require offcut plates to be retrieved in reverse order of storage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a gantry crane with a handling arm and tilting machine to store offcut plates vertically above the processing surface, allowing for independent retrieval order and compact storage, using a storage structure with vertical supports that can be moved to optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If offcut plates are stored in vertical seats on the floor, then storage capacity is achieved, but floor space is occupied and plates must be retrieved in reverse order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal floor storage to vertical aerial storage by positioning storage seats above the processing surface. This dimensional change allows plates to be stored vertically in a compact arrangement that utilizes vertical space rather than occupying floor area, thereby increasing storage capacity without increasing the footprint of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing plates horizontally on the floor and retrieving them laterally, the patent inverts the approach by storing plates vertically in aerial seats and retrieving them vertically downward. This inversion eliminates the reverse order retrieval problem and allows flexible access to any stored plate regardless of storage sequence.
2Area of stationary object
If horizontal shelf-like seats are used for storing offcut plates, then compact storage is achieved, but complex lifting devices are required and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gantry crane system multi-functional by using it not only for handling plates during processing but also for storing and retrieving offcut plates in the aerial storage structure. This eliminates the need for separate specialized lifting devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compact storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the storage function with the existing processing line structure by positioning storage seats above the processing surface and using the gantry crane's handling arm to interact with both processing and storage areas. This integration combines multiple functions (processing, handling, storing, retrieving) into a unified system, eliminating the need for additional dedicated lifting equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical seats are used for storing offcut plates, then floor space is saved, but plates must be extracted in reverse order of storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the retrieval mechanism by allowing the handling arm to access plates from the vertical storage seats in any order, rather than being constrained to reverse order extraction. The vertical positioning and accessible design of the aerial seats enable flexible retrieval operations while maintaining the space-saving vertical storage arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for processing and storing plates (L, L'), particularly glass plates, which comprises a processing step, a storage step and a step of recovery of the offcut plate (L'); the storage step comprises the steps of: transferring the at least one offcut plate (L') from the processing surface (20) onto a tilting machine (40), while keeping the offcut plate (L') in a substantially horizontal position; tilting the offcut plate (L'); moving the offcut plate (L'), while keeping it in a substantially vertical position, by way of a handling arm (50) and depositing the offcut plate (L') in a storage structure (30), arranged above the processing surface (20), in a substantially vertical position; the step of recovery of the offcut plate (L') comprises the steps of: taking from the storage structure (30), by way of the handling arm (50), at least one previously stored offcut plate (L') and, while keeping it in a substantially vertical position, depositing it on the tilting machine (40) in a substantially vertical position, tilting the offcut plate (L') and transferring the offcut plate onto the processing surface (20), while keeping it in a substantially horizontal position.