Piece Good Handling With Segmented Conveyor Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling and palletizing piece goods face challenges in precise positioning and efficient transfer due to speed differences and mechanical loads, leading to inaccuracies and increased cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A method involving closed formations of piece goods transported in rows without gaps, where at least one item is gripped and brought into a defined relative target position using manipulators, allowing for precise positioning and alignment without interrupting the transport speed, and optionally using multiple manipulators to enhance processing speed and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piece goods are transferred individually between conveyor belts with different speeds, then positioning precision can be achieved, but cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is segmented into multiple zones (infeed zone, manipulation zone, discharge zone) with independent speed control. This allows different sections to operate at different speeds simultaneously - the infeed zone maintains high speed for productivity while the manipulation zone slows down for precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system implements dynamic speed adjustment where the belt speed is continuously variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically modifies the speed of different zones based on real-time positioning requirements, enabling the system to maintain high overall productivity while achieving precise positioning when needed without the delays associated with complete stop-start operations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple manipulators are used to handle piece goods, then positioning accuracy and processing speed improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single manipulator is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate devices. The manipulator can grip, position, rotate, and adjust piece goods in various orientations, consolidating the functions of multiple specialized manipulators into one versatile unit, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator incorporates multiple degrees of freedom (rotational joints, linear actuators) that enable it to operate in three-dimensional space. This allows a single manipulator to achieve positioning accuracy that would otherwise require multiple manipulators by accessing targets from different spatial dimensions and angles, reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining high positioning precision.
3Productivity
If piece goods are conveyed with abrupt changes in speed or direction, then transfer efficiency improves, but mechanical loads on piece goods increase causing product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system uses dynamic speed control with continuous, gradual acceleration and deceleration profiles rather than abrupt changes. The control system dynamically adjusts the speed of different conveyor zones to match the requirements of piece goods handling, maintaining transfer efficiency through optimized flow while minimizing mechanical shocks and loads that could damage products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements pre-acceleration and pre-deceleration zones where speed changes occur gradually before the main transfer point. This cushioning approach prepares piece goods for upcoming speed or direction changes, reducing sudden mechanical loads and potential damage while maintaining overall transfer efficiency through smooth, continuous motion control across the conveyor system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for handling piece goods (2) moved one after the other. The piece goods (2) are transported in multiple rows (1) of piece goods (2) directly following one another without spacing or with minimal spacing in the form of respective closed formations (F). At least one transported piece good (2) is gripped out of at least one of the closed formations (F) in a clamping and/or force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, spatially separated from the respective closed formation (F), and brought into a respective defined target position (P) and/or alignment relative to the subsequent piece goods (2) of the respective closed formation.