Pallet Transport Device With Rotating Platform And Elevator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet transport devices face difficulties in reliably moving pallets from the end portions of one pallet rail to the other rail and from the vicinity of one rail edge to the other rail, hindering efficient circulation on a track-shaped path.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a pallet moving unit with horizontally rotating capabilities, short rails, a pallet feeding assist unit that can ascend and descend, and an elevator unit, allowing pallets to be moved between pallet rails and short rails, enabling smooth circulation by breaking and re-establishing engagement as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pallet feeding means transports pallets along the pallet rails, then the pallets can be moved along the linear portions, but once a pallet reaches the end portions, the engagement is broken and the pallet feeding means cannot move the pallet again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pallet moving means as an intermediary device between the pallet feeding means and the pallet rails at the end portions. This mediator transfers pallets from the linear pallet rails to a rotating platform, enabling continuous circulation without breaking the engagement between the pallet feeding means and pallets. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a specialized mechanism for end-portion handling that complements the main pallet feeding system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pallet moving means moves pallets on a semicircular path, then circulation is enabled, but the structure becomes complex and requires additional mechanisms to reliably move pallets from end portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pallet moving means with the pallet feeding means by integrating the rotating platform into the existing pallet rail system. The rotating platform is positioned to receive pallets directly from the pallet rails, and the pallet feeding means can engage with pallets on the rotating platform just as it does on the linear rails. This merging reduces overall system complexity while enabling circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet feeding means is designed with universal engagement capability that works both on the linear pallet rails and on the rotating platform. The feeding means can engage with pallets regardless of whether they are on a linear portion or a rotating portion, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms for different sections of the pallet circulation path.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement between pallet and pallet feeding means is broken at end portions, then pallets can be transferred, but the pallet feeding means cannot move the pallet from the vicinity of the edge back to the other rail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining engagement between the pallet feeding means and pallets throughout the entire circulation cycle. The pallet feeding means engages with pallets on the linear rails, transfers them to the rotating platform, and then re-engages with them on the rotating platform to complete the transfer to the other rail. This continuous engagement eliminates interruptions and maintains productivity while enabling easy transfer at end portions.
Data Source
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AI summary
a pallet transport device 10 includes a plurality of pallet rails 21,31; a pallet feeding unit 41, 51 configured to transport the pallet 11 along the pallet rails 21, 31; a pallet moving unit 61 configured to horizontally rotate so as to move the pallet; one or more short rails 63 disposed at a periphery of the pallet moving unit 61; a pallet feeding assist unit 81 configured to move the pallet 11 from the pallet rails 21, 31 to the short rails 63, or move the pallet 11 from the short rails 63 to the pallet rails 21, 31; and an elevator unit 95 configured to cause the pallet feeding assist unit 81 to descend and ascend. The horizontal rotation of the pallet moving unit 61 is permitted by the descent of the pallet feeding assist unit 81.