Paternoster Drawer Module for Ergonomic Part Supply in Assembly Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production line systems face inefficiencies in supplying parts and components to assembling stations, leading to ergonomic challenges for operators, as they require repetitive postures and efforts that can be harmful over time, and are not adaptable to changing production demands or sequences.
Innovation Solution
A production line module with a paternoster transport system and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) or movable carriage, allowing for precise positioning of containers near assembling stations, with drawers that can be automated to change positions and incline for easy access, ensuring efficient part distribution and reducing operator strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually retrieve parts from storage, then parts can be supplied to assembling stations, but operators must assume repetitive postures and make harmful efforts over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to serve themselves by easily accessing drawers at convenient heights through the paternoster mechanism, eliminating the need for harmful repetitive postures while maintaining part supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The paternoster transport system positions drawers at various heights including convenient working heights, creating an equipotential system where parts are accessible without operators needing to assume harmful postures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed storage system is used, then parts can be stored, but the system cannot adapt to changing production demands or sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The paternoster transport system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing drawers to be positioned at different locations and heights based on production demands, enabling the system to adapt to changing sequences without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The module can serve multiple assembling stations and adapt to different production scenarios through the paternoster mechanism, providing universal functionality across various assembly configurations
3Ease of operation
If drawers are positioned at fixed locations, then the storage structure is simple, but operators cannot access parts at convenient heights
Solution Approach 1:
The paternoster mechanism dynamically positions drawers at different heights including convenient working heights, improving accessibility while maintaining manageable system complexity through a proven transport mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A production line comprises one or more assembling stations and at least one module for carrying containers (A) for supplying to the assembling stations parts or components which are necessary during the execution of a working cycle. At least one module for carrying containers (A) is provided of a plurality of containers for carrying parts, wherein the containers are in form of drawers (C) associated to a paternoster transport system, operable for selectively placing each drawer (C) in a picking position wherein the parts contained therein can be picked-up by an operator (O). The paternoster transport system includes a chain drive system for transporting the drawers (C), comprising two closed loop lateral chains (51, 52) engaged on respective wheels of chains (53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60) which are rotatable mounted on a load-bearing structure of said module (A) and which are connected to a drive motor which is electronically controlled. Each of the drawers (C) has two opposite lateral walls (67A, 67B) facing to said lateral chains (51, 52), and on each of said lateral walls (67A, 67B) is rigidly mounted a first engagement element (68) engaged on a second engagement element (70) carried by a respective lateral chain (51, 52), in such a way that each of said drawers (C) is carried and moved by said chain drive system, providing a rise phase and a descent phase. The module for carrying containers (A) is provided of lateral guide rails (65, 66) configured according a closed loop mounted close to a respective lateral chain (51, 52), in such a way that said drawers (C) maintain a horizontal orientation along said closed loop path with the exception of a portion of said descent phase in which said drawers (C) are brought to incline forward toward the bottom.