Multi-Directional Palletizer Gripper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional palletizer apparatuses require the gripper mechanism to return to a single, predetermined orientation for each article, increasing cycle time and reducing efficiency due to the need for re-orientation with each successive article.
Innovation Solution
A gripper mechanism configured to receive articles from any of its four sides, utilizing a support frame that can move along an X-axis and Y-axis, with rotary and actuator-driven gripper members that can pivot and open to allow articles to be released by gravity, eliminating the need for rotational re-orientation between articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the gripper mechanism is configured to receive articles from a single predetermined orientation, then the structure is simpler and easier to control, but the cycle time increases due to required re-orientation movements
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism is designed with four infeed openings (front, rear, left, right) allowing it to receive articles from any direction. The support frame can be positioned at any orientation, and the gripper mechanism can receive articles through any of its four sides, making it a universal receiving structure that eliminates the need for re-orientation movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is made rotatable and positionable at various orientations relative to the infeed conveyor. The gripper mechanism mounted on the support frame can dynamically adjust its orientation and receive articles from different sides, transforming a static single-orientation system into a dynamic multi-orientation system that reduces cycle time.
2Productivity
If the gripper mechanism returns to a predetermined orientation for each article, then article positioning is simplified, but productivity decreases due to repeated re-orientation cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism with four infeed openings can receive articles from any direction without requiring return to a predetermined orientation. This universal receiving capability allows continuous operation at high speed, improving productivity while maintaining simple article receiving operations through the standardized four-sided design.
3Productivity
If the gripper mechanism is designed with four infeed openings for multi-directional receiving, then cycle time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism is segmented into four distinct infeed openings (front, rear, left, right) with corresponding gripper members. Each opening can independently receive articles, and the segmentation allows the mechanism to handle articles from multiple directions simultaneously or sequentially, improving productivity while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
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
This configuration significantly reduces cycle time by allowing articles to be received and positioned without requiring the gripper mechanism to return to a specific orientation, enhancing the efficiency of the palletizing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator for moving the gripper members to the opened positions
Implementation Method 2
A rotary drive is provided for rotatably driving the support frame to selectively rotatably positioning the gripper mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The “jaws” of the gripper mechanism are then opened so that each article is released and discharged by gravity from the gripper mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper mechanism for a palletizer apparatus is configured to receive articles from an associated infeed conveyor in any one of a plurality of orientations of the gripper mechanism relative to the infeed conveyor. In a preferred embodiment, the gripper mechanism is configured to receive articles through any one of four sides of the mechanism.