Manipulator for Rotating and Spacing Piece Goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling piece goods, such as containers, are inefficient in arranging and processing them for subsequent processing devices, particularly in rotating and spacing them for optimal handling.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a manipulator with gripper heads and clamping jaws to transport and rotate piece goods in a closed formation, allowing for continuous processing without interruption, where the gripper heads can change the distance between piece goods and rotate them about a vertical axis to achieve the desired alignment and spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for rotating and spacing piece goods, then the handling functions are more specialized, but the system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation function and spacing function into a single manipulator device. The manipulator includes a gripper head that can rotate about a vertical axis while simultaneously adjusting the distance between piece goods, eliminating the need for separate rotation devices and spacing devices that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: gripping piece goods, rotating them about a vertical axis, and adjusting the distance between them. This universal device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full handling capability.
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for rotation and spacing operations, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the processing time and system compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the rotation mechanism and spacing mechanism into a single manipulator, the patent enables simultaneous execution of both operations. The gripper head can rotate while adjusting the distance between piece goods in one coordinated motion, eliminating the sequential processing time that would be required if separate devices were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator performs rotation and spacing operations in a continuous, coordinated manner rather than sequentially. The gripper head maintains grip on the piece goods while executing both rotation and spacing adjustments in one continuous action, maximizing productivity without sacrificing functional optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for rotation and spacing, then the system can handle complex arrangements, but the system compactness and cost-effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple handling functions into a single compact manipulator structure. The gripper head integrates both rotation capability and spacing adjustment capability, creating a space-efficient solution that maintains the flexibility to create complex piece good arrangements without requiring multiple separate devices that would consume more space.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (10) for handling unit loads (2) moved in at least one row (1) one after the other, comprising at least one manipulator (5) for unit loads (2) and at least one transport device (3) by which immediately successive unit loads (2) of the row (1) are transported as at least one closed formation (F) into a detection area (4) of the at least one manipulator (5) with approximately no spacing. The at least one manipulator (5) is designed to clamp and/or force-fit and/or form-fit receiving at least two unit loads (2) from the at least one closed formation (F) and to separate and transfer these at least two unit loads (2) into a target position (P) and/or target orientation.In addition, the at least one manipulator (5) is designed to rotate the at least two unit goods (2) about a vertical axis and to perform a change in the distance between the at least two unit goods (2).