Picking Device Strapping Mechanism for Layer Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for picking goods carriers, such as pallets, struggle to securely handle and manage loading layers, especially for sensitive items like fruits and vegetables, and prevent falling or slipping during the picking process, particularly when transitioning between loading layers.

Innovation Solution

A device with a strapping mechanism arranged above, inside, or below the picking stage, which secures loading layers immediately after completion and lowering, ensuring stability and preventing slipping or falling, allowing for high-speed picking and reliable handling of sensitive goods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strapping device is installed to secure loading layers during order picking, then goods stability and prevention of falling/slipping is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strapping device is integrated within the picking chute structure, nesting the strapping function inside the existing picking station framework. This allows the strapping mechanism to be housed within the chute without requiring separate external equipment, thereby improving goods stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The picking chute is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides the goods carrier, contains the strapping device, and provides structural support for the strapping operation. By making the chute multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated structures for strapping, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the strapping device is positioned above the picking platform, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strapping device is positioned vertically above the picking platform, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This allows the strapping mechanism to be integrated into the vertical profile of the picking chute, making it accessible and easy to operate from above while containing the structural requirements within the existing vertical envelope of the picking station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If film wrapping is used to secure goods layers, then goods stability is improved, but adaptability to sensitive goods deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to sensitive goods
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and form of the securing mechanism from flexible film wrapping to rigid strapping bands. This parameter change allows the use of different securing methods (strapping vs. film) depending on the goods type, improving adaptability to sensitive goods that cannot be wrapped in film while maintaining goods stability through the strapping action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3771666B1Picking device and method
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 WINKEL GMBH
  • EP3771666B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for order picking on goods carriers, in particular pallets, comprising a picking chute, a feeding device for feeding an unloaded goods carrier, a lowering device for gradually lowering the goods carrier in coordination with a loading height of the goods carrier, in which a strapping device is provided for strapping a layer of goods on the goods carrier during order picking.