Piece Goods Handling Manipulator for Layer Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling and processing piece goods in rows are inefficient due to complex machinery requirements and high mechanical loads, leading to potential damage and reduced processing precision.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a manipulator and transport devices to handle piece goods in a closed formation, allowing for precise positioning and orientation with reduced mechanical stress, using a manipulator with adjustable components to align and rotate goods for efficient layer formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional grouping tables with multiple cycles are used to assemble layer patterns, then piece goods can be arranged in desired configurations, but the partially discontinuous conveying process causes high mechanical stress and abrupt speed changes that can damage the goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous conveying process where the conveying belt maintains constant motion without stopping or reversing between cycles. Piece goods are continuously fed from the infeed conveyor through the grouping table to the layer formation belt, eliminating the start-stop operations that cause mechanical stress. The grouping table operates as a continuous flow system rather than a batch process, maintaining steady velocity throughout the entire conveying path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable stop points that can be positioned at different locations along the conveying belt to accommodate various layer pattern requirements. The stop points can be moved or adjusted during operation to optimize the grouping process for different product configurations, allowing the system to adapt to changing production needs while maintaining continuous operation.
2Measurement precision
If individual piece goods are transferred from distribution belt to conveyor belt using speed difference and optical sensors, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the process requires complex control systems and multiple belts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infeed conveyor and grouping table into a single integrated conveying system with a unified control mechanism. Instead of using separate distribution belts and conveyor belts with independent controls, the system uses one continuous belt that performs both feeding and grouping functions, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning precision through the stop point mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying belt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the infeed conveyor, the grouping surface, and the transfer mechanism to the layer formation belt. The stop points serve dual purposes by both positioning individual piece goods and defining the boundaries of groups to be transferred, eliminating the need for separate positioning and grouping mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If roller conveyors with stop points are used to mechanically arrange piece goods in two-dimensional formations, then layer patterns can be created, but the abrupt changes in speed and direction cause high mechanical stress on the goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous motion of the conveying belt throughout the layer formation process, eliminating the start-stop operations that occur in traditional roller conveyor systems. Piece goods are continuously advanced to their target positions and transferred to the layer formation belt without interrupting the overall flow, thereby maintaining high processing speed while achieving accurate layer patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop points operate periodically to deposit groups of piece goods at predetermined intervals along the conveying belt. This periodic deposition action creates the desired layer patterns while the belt itself continues moving continuously, avoiding the abrupt speed changes that would occur if the entire belt stopped and started repeatedly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for handling unit loads (2) moved in at least one row (1) one after the other, with at least one transport device (3) by which immediately successive unit loads (2) of the row (1) can be transported as a closed formation (F) into a detection area (4) of at least one manipulator (5) with approximately no spacing. The at least one manipulator (5) is prepared and equipped for clamping and/or force-fit and/or form-fit detection of at least one unit load (2) within the detection area (4), as well as for spatially separating the transported unit loads (2) from the at least one row (1) and for moving them into a respective defined relative target position (P1, P2) and/or orientation with respect to subsequent unit loads (2).The unit loads (2) fed in formation (F) are each conveyed by the at least one transport device (3) in the transport direction (TR) into the detection area (4) of the at least one manipulator (5). The position of the at least one transport device (3) relative to the detection area (4) is variable, in particular in a direction with a transverse component to the transport direction (TR).