Palletizing Apparatus With Independent Intermediate Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletizing apparatuses have limited speed due to the use of transfer stations and loading stations, which restricts the efficiency of the palletizing cycle.
Innovation Solution
A palletizing apparatus with two supply stations, each equipped with an intermediate carrier that can be vertically and horizontally adjusted, allowing for opposed adjustment movements to facilitate rapid package transfer between receiving and transfer positions without collision, enabling efficient horizontal and vertical alignment for rapid palletizing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transfer stations and loading stations are used in palletizing apparatus, then package transfer can be achieved, but the palletizing cycle speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of transfer stations and loading stations into a single integrated supply station. The intermediate carrier serves both to transfer packages from the transport unit and to position them for stacking, eliminating the need for separate transfer and loading stations. This merging of functions directly increases palletizing cycle speed while reducing the number of required stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate carrier is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to move vertically between a low-level position (for receiving packages from the transport unit) and a high-level position (for depositing packages on the pallet). This dynamic positioning enables the single supply station to perform multiple operations that previously required separate stationary stations, thereby increasing productivity.
2Productivity
If intermediate carriers are adjusted vertically between low-level and high-level positions, then packages can be deposited at varying heights, but collision risk increases during opposed adjustment movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric control of the two intermediate carriers, where each carrier is independently controlled to perform opposed adjustment movements. When one carrier moves from low-level to high-level position, the other carrier simultaneously moves from high-level to low-level position. This asymmetric, coordinated movement pattern allows both carriers to operate in opposite directions without colliding, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the positions of both intermediate carriers in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control system coordinates the opposed adjustment movements to ensure that carriers do not occupy the same space simultaneously. This feedback-based coordination enables rapid package transfer while preventing collisions, thus achieving both high productivity and reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A palletizing apparatus and a method for stacking packages on a load carrier. The palletizing apparatus has a stacking location for palletizing the packages and at least two supply stations, which are in conveying connection with the stacking location and each have an intermediate carrier formed for receiving the packages. It is possible for the intermediate carriers to be vertically adjusted by a motor at least to some extent independently of one another between a low-level position and a high-level position. In order to make a rapid palletizing cycle possible, provision is made for the intermediate carriers to be horizontally adjustable by a motor-drive independently of one another between a starting position and an end position. The intermediate carriers are arranged at the supply stations for adjustment in a collision-free manner in opposite adjustment directions between a receiving position and a transfer position.