Semiautomatic Pallet Assembly Machine with Dual Nailing Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual and automatic pallet assembly methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require significant maintenance, with low productivity and the need for two workers, while complex automatic machines are expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A semiautomatic machine with dual nailing means at the front and rear, allowing simultaneous nailing on both sides of the pallet, and adjustable frames for flexible adaptation to different pallet types, enabling high productivity with minimal maintenance and labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but assembly time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two independent nailing means operating on opposite sides of the pallet, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows simultaneous nailing operations without requiring complex coordination mechanisms, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining relative simplicity of each individual nailing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Two nailing means are combined into a single machine structure, allowing both to operate simultaneously on the same pallet from opposite sides. This merging of functions into one machine doubles the nailing throughput compared to manual assembly or single-sided automatic machines, resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
2Productivity
If complex automatic machines are used, then nailing speed increases, but maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nailing means use simple, easily replaceable components such as standard nailing guns and basic mechanical linkages. Rather than using complex, precision-engineered automatic nailing systems, the invention employs simpler components that can be quickly replaced or maintained without requiring specialized service, thereby reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining high nailing speed through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine structure allows operators to perform basic maintenance and adjustments themselves without requiring complex diagnostic tools or specialized maintenance procedures. The simple mechanical design enables operators to service the nailing means during normal operation, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
3Ease of operation
If two workers are required for automatic assembly, then parts arrangement is improved, but labor costs and coordination time increase
Solution Approach 1:
All parts are arranged and positioned on the pallet before the nailing operation begins. The two workers complete all positioning tasks in advance, allowing the subsequent nailing phase to proceed at maximum speed without interruption for part placement. This preliminary arrangement separates the complex coordination task from the high-speed execution task.
Solution Approach 2:
While one pair of hands arranges parts on one side of the pallet, the nailing means simultaneously operates on the other side, and vice versa. This continuous overlapping of operations ensures that no time is lost transitioning between tasks, maximizing productivity per worker while still utilizing two workers for complete parts arrangement.
4Productivity
If nailing operations are performed sequentially on one side at a time, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complexity in the temporal dimension (sequential operations), the invention adds a spatial dimension by placing nailing means on both sides of the pallet simultaneously. This dimensional change allows parallel operation without requiring complex synchronization mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (10) for assembling pallets (1) has a support structure (11) equipped with at least one frame (12) for the preparation of the parts of a pallet (1) for assembly, and comprises a mobile upright (13) slidably connected with the support structure (11) and laterally mobile; the upright (13) is equipped with nailing guns (14) that are vertically movable, at least one gun of which is arranged at the front ar.d at least one other gun of which is arranged at the rear to simultaneously nail, or with a slight time delay, the front part and the rear part of the parts of the pallet (1) prepared on the frame (12); the frame (12) is substantially vertical or is slightly tilted back with respect to the vertical, morevore the frame (12) is made so as to help resting the parts (2-6) of the pallet (1) and also a subsequent comfortable withdrawal; a method for assembling pallets made by the machine is also provided.