Pallet Conveying Module With Dual Braking for Mixed Pallet Sizes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet handling systems face inefficiencies when handling pallets of different dimensions, requiring additional movements and increased complexity, leading to higher execution times and costs due to the need for adapting stopping mechanisms based on pallet measurements.
Innovation Solution
A pallet conveying module with a combination of a non-motorized mechanically operated braking device and a motor-operated braking device, featuring retractable elements and a cam system, allowing simultaneous handling of Euro and industrial pallets by ensuring telescopic forks can access under the pallets and maintaining fixed distances between central axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stopping mechanism is used for both Euro pallets and industrial pallets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of pallet positioning deteriorates because different pallet dimensions require different stopping positions
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device incorporates a movable brake shoe that can be positioned at different locations along the conveyor track. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same braking mechanism to accommodate both Euro pallets (800x1200mm) and industrial pallets (1000x1200mm) by adjusting the brake shoe position to match the specific pallet dimensions, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple pallet types. The movable brake shoe mechanism serves as a multi-functional solution that can stop both Euro and industrial pallets at appropriate positions, eliminating the need for separate stopping mechanisms for each pallet type while maintaining precise positioning for both formats
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stacker crane performs additional movements to accommodate different pallet dimensions, then the adaptability to handle both Euro and industrial pallets is improved, but the productivity of the facility deteriorates due to increased execution times
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet positioning system performs preliminary positioning actions by using the movable brake shoe to stop pallets at the correct position before the stacker crane arrives. This preliminary action ensures that regardless of whether it is a Euro pallet or industrial pallet, the pallet is already in the optimal position when the stacker crane reaches it, eliminating the need for additional corrective movements and maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection means that identify the type of pallet approaching (Euro or industrial) and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the movable brake shoe is automatically positioned at the appropriate location to stop the pallet at the correct position, enabling the stacker crane to handle both pallet types efficiently without additional movements, thus maintaining both adaptability and productivity
3Ease of operation
If the brake shoe is made larger to contact both Euro and industrial pallets, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of stopping position deteriorates because the contact point varies with pallet size
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a large fixed brake shoe, the system employs a smaller brake shoe that can be dynamically repositioned along the conveyor track. This dynamic positioning allows the brake shoe to contact each pallet type at its optimal stopping point, maintaining precise stopping positions for both Euro and industrial pallets while keeping the brake shoe design simple and easy to operate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient handling of multiple pallet sizes with reduced execution times and manufacturing costs, avoiding the need for adapting stopping mechanisms and improving facility performance.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable element (80; 90) capable of rotating from an inclined position, in which the retractable element (80; 90) forms an angle with the horizontal plane, to a horizontal position in which the retractable element (80; 90) is parallel to the horizontal plane
Implementation Method 2
the displacement of the retractable element being by contact with at least one leg of the pallet
Implementation Method 3
a cam system (90) that defines first and second retractable stops (91, 92)
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet conveying module, including a support structure on which there is arranged a rolling travel track configured to displace the pallets, and a retaining system to stop the pallet on said track. The retaining system comprises a first non-motorized mechanically operated braking device having a retractable region that rotates with respect to an shaft with a stop projection provided to abut with support legs of the pallet to be stopped, such that in a standby position, the retractable region is on an inclined plane with respect to the horizontal plane, while in a stop position the stop projection is in contact against a leg of the pallet; and a second motor operated braking device, located prior to the first mechanically operated braking device, which has a cam system defined by first and second retractable stops located in different positions.