Palletizing Device Centering Element for Flat Sheet Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletizing devices face challenges in ensuring the mechanical stability of stacked articles, particularly during transport, due to complex geometries and issues with intermediate layer separation and alignment, which can lead to tilting and adhesion problems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an offset movement and centering process for individual flat blanks, using suction and gripping tools to separate and align intermediate layers, ensuring precise placement on a pallet while avoiding electrostatic adhesion and mechanical hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediate layers are stacked densely to increase pallet capacity, then productivity is improved, but stability of the pallet composition deteriorates due to complex geometry and tilting risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centering element as an intermediary component between the suction/gripping tool and the intermediate layers. This centering element actively corrects misalignments and ensures that intermediate layers are precisely positioned on the pallet, thereby maintaining pallet stability even when densely stacked to increase capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary centering and alignment actions before the intermediate layers are fully deposited on the pallet. By using the centering element to pre-position the intermediate layers correctly, the system prevents stability issues before they occur, enabling safer denser stacking.
2Ease of operation
If conventional suction tools are used to separate intermediate layers, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment and adhesion problems
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element serves as a mediator between the suction tool and the intermediate layer. It maintains the simplicity of suction-based operation while actively correcting alignment issues, thereby preserving ease of operation while significantly improving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical alignment methods with a hybrid system combining suction ( pneumatic) and mechanical centering elements. This substitution allows for easier operation through suction while achieving precise alignment through the centering mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate layers are conveyed along a defined transfer path, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to electrostatic adhesion and mechanical hooks between adjacent layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the harmful adhesion and hooking effects by using the centering element to separate and space intermediate layers during conveyance. This prevents direct contact and adhesion between adjacent layers, eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining ease of conveyance operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element acts as an intermediary that prevents direct interaction between adjacent intermediate layers during conveyance. By positioning and spacing layers appropriately, it eliminates electrostatic adhesion and mechanical hooking while allowing smooth conveyance along the transfer path.
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 approach enhances the stability and alignment of intermediate layers on pallets, reducing the likelihood of tilting and adhesion issues, thereby improving the overall mechanical stability and efficiency of the palletization process.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one suction and/or gripping tool (15) is placed on the respectively at the top on the stack (9) arranged blank (7) and grasps the respectively at the top on the stack (9) arranged blank (7) by means of negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
immediately adjacent flat blanks or intermediate layers may be able to adhere to each other due to electrostatic adhesion and / or due to mechanical prompt
Implementation Method 3
immediately adjacent flat blanks or intermediate layers may be able to adhere to each other due to electrostatic adhesion and / or due to mechanical prompt
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for handling flat cut sheets (7) from a stack (9) comprising a plurality of flat cut sheets (7). The method comprises the following steps: carrying out an offsetting movement for a respective uppermost cut sheet (7) on the stack (9), wherein the respective uppermost cut sheet (7) on the stack (9) is moved in relation to other adjacent cut sheets (7), such that a front edge (4) of the uppermost cut sheet (7) on the stack (9) projects beyond the stack (9) at the end of the offsetting movement; and carrying out a centring movement at the end of the offsetting movement, wherein the front edge (4) of the uppermost cut sheet (7) on the stack (9), which projects beyond the pile (9), is shifted into a determined orientation and/or position, and at the end of the centring movement, the uppermost cut sheet (7) on the stack (9) is placed back on the stack (9).