Omnidirectional Repalletizing Table for Flexible Layer Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated repalletizing methods are inefficient in terms of time and space usage, and often require significant resources, as they typically involve individual handling of goods, which limits flexibility and increases costs and labor demands.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an omnidirectional conveyor table that allows for the simultaneous movement and reconfiguration of multiple packaged goods, enabling efficient transfer from an original layer to a target layer with variable configuration, without the need for intermediate buffering or extensive space, by creating maneuvering distances and rotating units as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated repalletizing is performed using conventional robot grippers and conveyor systems, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveyor function and robot function into a single omnidirectional conveyor table. The conveyor table can both transport layers and perform robot-like picking and placing operations, eliminating the need for separate conveyor systems and robot arms. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining automated repalletizing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional conveyor table serves multiple functions: it acts as a conveyor for transporting layers, a robot for picking and placing individual packages, and a positioning system for precise placement. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual package handling is used for repalletizing, then layer pattern flexibility is improved, but time consumption and labor demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional conveyor table enables continuous operation by maintaining constant motion during the repalletizing process. Packages are continuously picked, transported, and placed without interruption, eliminating the start-stop cycles inherent in conventional robot-based systems. This continuity reduces total repalletizing time while maintaining the ability to create flexible layer patterns.
3Ease of operation
If buffer areas are used for intermediate storage during repalletizing, then maneuverability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional conveyor table utilizes two-dimensional motion capabilities to achieve maneuverability without requiring additional buffer space. By moving packages in multiple directions (x and y axes) simultaneously, the system can reposition packages anywhere on the table surface, effectively using the table's surface area as a dynamic workspace rather than requiring separate buffer zones.
4Ease of manufacture
If target pallet area is not fully utilized, then repalletizing simplicity is improved, but area efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors and vision systems to monitor package positions and layer pattern requirements in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of placement positions to maximize pallet space utilization. The control system calculates optimal placement locations that fully utilize the target pallet area while maintaining the desired layer pattern, eliminating wasted space.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automated repalletizing of packaged goods, the method to be carried out with a conveyor table with devices for the omnidirectional movement of packaged goods from an original layer, formed by units of packaged goods to be reconfigured, to a target layer, formed by units of packaged goods, wherein the conveyor table has an area that is larger than the area that is occupied by an original layer of the units of packaged goods to be configured, having the following steps:providing an original layer of units of packaged goods on the conveyor table,automated separation of the units of packaged goods by the conveyor table such that maneuvering distances are created between at least two of the units of packaged goods,moving the units of packaged goods to a predetermined position of the target layer, andoptionally completing and optionally compressing the target layer of units of packaged goods,wherein at least more than one of the units of packaged goods of the target layer are on the conveyor table during the entire process, as well as a programmed data processing device for controlling a method and a data carrier or data sequence having control instructions for programming such data processing devices.