Palletizing Tool with Dynamic Gripping and Abutting Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletizing tools face challenges in handling mixed load products due to limitations in width adjustment, cycle time, and the need for reduced waiting time for the robot or manipulator, particularly when dealing with varying product dimensions and formats in warehouses and distribution centers.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a gripping member that can be partially closed during approach and fully closed upon contact, combined with a product abutting plate movable in unison with the tool, allows for efficient gripping and placement of products without requiring the robot to stop, using a servo drive for synchronized movements to enhance throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fork-type tool with fixed wide forks is used to handle various product dimensions, then the tool can grip products of various sizes, but the wide forks interfere with products already in place on the pallet when placing narrow products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable fork width through motorized extension and retraction mechanisms. The forks can be extended to wide positions for gripping various product sizes, then retracted to narrow positions for placing products without interfering with items already on the pallet. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between handling versatility and placement ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fork tool extends and retracts bottom forks to grip and place products, then the tool can handle various product types, but the cycle time required for picking and placing products increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the bottom forks in an extended state before product pickup. This eliminates the need for time-consuming fork extension during the picking operation, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining the ability to handle various product types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the bottom forks in a ready-to-grip extended position throughout the robot's movement to the product. This eliminates idle waiting time and ensures the tool is continuously engaged in productive work, reducing overall cycle time while preserving versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the robot stops to position each product on the pallet, then precise product placement is achieved, but the waiting time for the robot increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates robot stopping by maintaining continuous motion. The adjustable fork width allows the robot to place products of varying sizes without halting to reposition the tool, thereby maintaining placement precision while eliminating waiting time and improving throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
The problem of the lag time in picking and dropping mixed load products during a palletization process is solved by using a tool having i) a gripping member that can be partially closed in a first fast movement while it is moved by a robot towards a product and then closed onto the product in a second shorter movement and ii) a product abutting plate that is movable in unison with the tool in opposite direction thereof as the tool is moved by a robot towards and away the mixed load pallet.