Pallet Dismantling Device Knife Separation Robot Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for dismantling assembled pallets are often cumbersome, noisy, and difficult to install due to their reliance on saws for separation, which generates dust and noise, and lack flexibility to handle different types of pallets.

Innovation Solution

A device with a support frame carrying two dismantling stations equipped with knives and a multiple-axle robot for precise pallet positioning and handling, allowing for compact design, flexibility, and simplified installation by optimizing station placement and enabling offline programming of the robot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If saws are used for separation, then separation capability is achieved, but noise and dust are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and dustVSAvoidseparation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional saw-based mechanical separation system with a knife-based system. The knife edge is driven between the spacer means and the deck layer/bottom layer to separate components through a pushing action rather than cutting, thereby eliminating dust and noise generation while maintaining separation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dismantling stations are added, then versatility for different pallet types is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling different pallet typesVSAvoidnumber of dismantling stations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple dismantling stations onto a single shared support frame structure. This merging approach allows the device to handle different pallet types through multiple stations while avoiding the complexity of completely separate systems, as the stations share common structural support and control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple dismantling stations are designed with universal functionality to handle various pallet types. Each station can process different configurations of pallets through the knife separation mechanism, allowing a single station design to serve multiple purposes across different pallet specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If dismantling stations are placed far apart, then each station has adequate space, but overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for each stationVSAvoidoverall device size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of dismantling stations to a vertical stacking configuration on a shared support frame. By utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal spacing, the device accommodates multiple stations within a compact footprint, reducing overall device size while providing adequate operational space for each station.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2640550B1Device for dismantling of chosen parts of assembled pallets
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 YASKAWA NORDIC AB
  • EP2640550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2640550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2640550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a device (10) for dismantling of chosen parts of assembled pallets (1 ), said device (10) including a support frame (1 1), that carries a first (20) and a second dismantling station (30), into which pallets (1 ) are insertable. The first dismantling station (20) comprises at least one knife (21), which can be driven in between chosen outer parts of a base of a pallet (1 ) in order to separate at least some of these parts. The second dismantling station (30) comprises at least one knife (32), which can be driven in between chosen inner parts of a base of a pallet (1 ) or between outer parts of a deck of a pallet (1 ) in order to separate any of these parts. The device (10) also comprises a multiple-axle robot (40), which is arranged to feed pallets (1 ) into and out of the device (10) and to position said pallets (1 ) in relation to the knifes (21, 32 ) of both dismantling stations (20, 30) of the device (10).