Palletizer Single Support Column Compact Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional palletizing plants have large overall dimensions, hindering operator access and handling of pallet stacks and flaps due to independent apparatuses for transport, sorting, handling, and flap management.
Innovation Solution
A palletizing system with a single support column integrating handling members for objects, pallets, and flaps, utilizing a conveying and sorting system, and a handling system with sliding supports and actuators to minimize space by coordinating vertical and horizontal movements, allowing for compact design and improved access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent apparatuses are used for transport, sorting, handling, and flap management, then each function can be performed independently and reliably, but the overall dimensions become large and operator access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent handling functions (object handling, pallet handling, and flap handling) into a single integrated handling system with a common support column. This consolidation reduces the overall spatial footprint while maintaining functional capabilities through coordinated operation of multiple handling members sharing the same structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system employs a universal support column that serves multiple functions: supporting the object handling member, the pallet handling member, and the flap handling member. This multi-functional design allows a single structural element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate support structures, thereby reducing overall dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent apparatuses are used for handling objects, pallets, and flaps, then each handling function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple handling functions into a single integrated system where the object handling member, pallet handling member, and flap handling member all operate from a common support column. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant support structures while maintaining versatile handling capabilities through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
While merging the support structures, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the object handling member, pallet handling member, and flap handling member as separate operational components. This allows each function to be optimized independently while sharing the common structural support, thus reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If independent handling systems are used for objects and pallets, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structures for object handling and pallet handling into a single common support column. This allows each handling member to be optimized for its specific function while sharing the structural support, thereby reducing the spatial footprint without compromising manufacturing ease or functional optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for palletizing a plurality of objects, for example bottle packs or containers, is provided. A conveying and sorting system to form an ordered set of objects is provided. A handling system having a support column and movably arranged thereon a first handling member suitable to handle the ordered set of objects from a discharge position of the conveying and sorting system to a pallet arranged at a workstation is provided. A handling system having a support column and movably arranged thereon a second handling-suitable to handle a pallet from a pallet stack to the workstation and/or a cardboard flap from a respective stack to said workstation is provided.