Automated Box Handling Frame with Parallel Gripping Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated handling systems for boxed items are complex, expensive, and inefficient, particularly when handling multiple items, leading to slow loading and unloading operations, especially in environments with a high variety of items.
Innovation Solution
An automated handling unit and procedure that allows simultaneous handling of multiple boxed items, utilizing a frame with gripping bars and hindering means to efficiently translate and position items on and from shelving units, optimizing space utilization and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known handling units are designed to transport a single object at a time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple handling functions into a single unit by equipping it with multiple gripping means (at least two gripping bars) that can simultaneously grasp and transport multiple boxed items. This merging of functions allows the unit to handle several objects in parallel, dramatically increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the additional gripping components are integrated into the existing unit structure.
2Productivity
If handling units are designed to transport multiple elements simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handling unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: gripping individual items, gripping multiple items simultaneously, translating items horizontally, and interacting with shelving units having various shelf configurations. This universal design allows a single unit to handle diverse handling tasks without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby increasing productivity while controlling complexity through standardized multi-purpose components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling unit employs segmented gripping means in the form of multiple independent gripping bars that can be selectively activated. Each gripping bar can independently grasp individual boxed items, allowing the system to adapt its gripping capacity to the specific task at hand. This segmentation enables the unit to handle one or multiple items as needed, optimizing productivity for different scenarios without requiring a completely different device for each case.
3Ease of operation
If shelving units are equipped with open shelves for automated systems, then the ease of operation improves, but the volume of items that can be stored decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling unit incorporates dynamic translation means that can adapt its movement characteristics based on the specific shelving configuration. The unit can translate items horizontally along shelves and adjust its positioning dynamically to accommodate different shelf depths, heights, and spacings. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to operate efficiently with closed shelving units that maximize storage volume, while maintaining ease of automated handling through real-time adjustment of movement parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated handling unit (1) for boxed items (3) is provided, wherein the boxed items (3) are arranged along a predominant development direction (6a) at least at one storage surface (2) so as to define at least one row (6), wherein the unit (1) comprises a frame (4) movable relative to the storage surface (2) and including a handling surface (40) adapted to being positioned adjacent to the storage surface (2) aligned with it and movable along a central axis (4a) that can be aligned with the predominant development direction (6a) so as to be able to translate the boxed items (3) placed therein at least along the predominant development direction (6a); gripping bars (5) developing near the handling surface (40) parallel to the predominant development direction (6a) and mutually side by side and spaced apart in such a way as to be able to flank at least part of the row (6) and configured to engage and translate at least part of the boxed items (3); a hindering means (7) positioned close to the handling surface (40) and configured to stop the boxed items (3) being moved on the handling surface (40) at a position occupied by the hindering means (7), wherein the handling surface (40) includes a slit (40a) developing continuously along the central axis (4a), and wherein the hindering means (7) is at least partially housed inside the slit (40a) and is configured to move inside the slit (40a) along the central axis (4a) in such a way as to be able to change the occupied position and simultaneously push one or more boxed items (3) along the central axis (4a).