Pallet Separation Machine with Motorized Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for separating pallets from their loads are inefficient in terms of speed and often damage the pallets during the process, and lack the capability to automatically replace the pallet with a different one.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with a support frame, bearing means, rail systems, and actuators that allow for synchronized rotation and translation to lift, rotate, and remove the incoming pallet while simultaneously placing a new pallet underneath the load, utilizing motorized conveyors and control systems for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing machines are used to separate pallets from loads, then the separation process can be performed, but the operation is slow and causes damage to pallets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical separation systems with a robotic system that uses controlled motion and positioning to lift and remove pallets. The robotic arm with controlled degrees of freedom provides precise, gentle handling that eliminates the harsh mechanical forces causing pallet damage, while simultaneously increasing separation speed through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the robotic arm's motion through multiple degrees of freedom, allowing adaptive adjustment of movement speed, position, and force during the pallet removal process. This dynamic approach enables the system to optimize separation speed while maintaining gentle handling to prevent pallet damage.
2Productivity
If manual pallet replacement is performed, then pallet integrity can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs pallet replacement autonomously without requiring human operators. The system self-manages the entire process including approaching the load, lifting the pallet, removing it, and placing a new pallet, thereby achieving high automation levels while maintaining efficient operation speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual labor with an automated robotic system that uses controlled mechanical motion to perform pallet replacement. This substitution enables continuous, high-speed operation while maintaining the gentleness of manual handling through precise control algorithms.
3Speed
If fast separation methods are used, then productivity increases, but pallet damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm employs dynamic motion control with adjustable velocity and acceleration profiles that adapt to the pallet's position and weight. This allows the system to move quickly during safe phases of the operation while slowing down during critical phases near the load and pallet contact points, thereby achieving high overall speed while preventing pallet damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect pallet position, orientation, and contact forces in real-time, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the robotic arm to adjust its motion dynamically, maintaining high speed when safe and reducing speed or force when approaching critical thresholds that could cause pallet damage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine to separate an incoming pallet (BI) from the above respective load (C), lying thereon comprises at least: a support means (2) having two bearing means first (3) and second (4); two rail means (5,6) connected to the bearing means (3,4); two base means (7,8) defining a respective plane and cantilevered and perpendicularly connected to respective rail means (5,6), at least a rotation motor (12) associated with a respective first (3) or second (4) bearing means for the motorized rotation of the corresponding rail means first (5) or second (6). The pallet (BI) and its load (C) are placed between the base means (7,8) the base means (7,8) move with respect to the rails (5,6) to tighten the pallet (BI) and the load (C). The rotation motor (11,12) rotates the rail means (5,6) to overturn the pallet (BI) and the load (C).