Palletizing Device Intermediate Platform Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletising devices require a sequential and time-consuming process for stacking products due to the need for the lower platform to remain in a lowered position during pallet removal and replacement, limiting overall productivity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intermediate platform that shifts between raised and lowered positions, allowing for simultaneous stacking and pallet transfer operations by maintaining support configurations that progressively collect and release layers of products, enabling continuous stacking without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lower platform remains in a lowered position during pallet removal and replacement, then the pallet can be properly received and positioned, but the stacking phase cannot commence and overall operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system is divided into two independent platforms: an upper platform for stacking operations and a lower platform for pallet handling. This segmentation allows each platform to perform its specific function independently, enabling pallet replacement on the lower platform while stacking continues on the upper platform, thus eliminating the sequential dependency and reducing overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension separation by positioning the upper platform above the lower platform. This spatial arrangement in the vertical dimension allows simultaneous operations: the lower platform can be in the lowered position for pallet replacement while the upper platform maintains its elevated position for continuous stacking operations, resolving the time loss problem.
2Ease of operation
If the lower platform is lowered to receive and position pallets, then pallet handling is enabled, but the upper platform cannot simultaneously receive and stack products due to spatial interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the palletizing function into two independent operational zones: the lower platform dedicated to pallet reception and positioning, and the upper platform dedicated to product stacking. This functional segmentation eliminates interference between the two operations, allowing pallet handling and stacking to proceed simultaneously without compromising either operation's continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging the upper platform vertically above the lower platform, the invention creates independent operational spaces in the vertical dimension. This spatial separation allows the lower platform to be lowered for pallet handling while the upper platform remains elevated and ready for continuous stacking operations, thus maintaining both ease of pallet handling and stacking productivity.
3Productivity
If support means are in a closed configuration to support products, then stacking can proceed, but the products cannot be released to the pallet below
Solution Approach 1:
The support means are segmented into two independent sets: support means on the upper platform for receiving and supporting products during stacking, and support means on the lower platform for receiving and supporting the pallet. This segmentation allows the upper platform's support means to remain closed for continuous stacking while the lower platform's support means can be opened to receive and support the pallet, eliminating the time loss associated with waiting for product release.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower platform's support means are pre-positioned in an open configuration before the stacking operation begins, so that when products are released from the upper platform, they can immediately be received on the prepared lower platform. This preliminary action eliminates the time loss that would otherwise occur while waiting for the lower support means to open after product release.
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 solution significantly reduces overall time required for palletising operations, enhancing productivity by allowing continuous stacking and pallet handling without sequential dependencies.
Implementation Method 1
the support means remove their support, thus releasing the layer of products downwardly under gravity
Implementation Method 2
activating means which move the support means cyclically between a closed configuration and an open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A palletizing device including a lower surface which restingly receives a pallet, and an upper platform which is provided with a variably-configurable first support, cyclically between a closed configuration in which the first support supports a layer of products and an open configuration in which the layer of products is released downwardly; an intermediate platform between the lower surface and the upper platform, which move between a raised position and a lowered position and vice versa, comprising a variably-configurable second support which, maintain the second support in a closed configuration, thus forming a stack, and which release the stack of products towards the underlying lower surface in an open configuration.