Movable Pin Matrix for Stable Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional palletizing and depalletizing systems often result in containers being tipped over or damaged due to instability and collision during movement, especially for top-heavy or irregularly shaped containers, and require recalibration for different container configurations.
Innovation Solution
A palletizer or depalletizer equipped with a movable pin matrix supported by a frame and tracks, allowing for secure engagement and movement of containers while maintaining an upright orientation, adaptable to various container shapes and sizes without recalibration, and featuring a lift assembly for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pushing methods are used to move containers onto or off pallets, then the process is simple and quick, but containers may be tipped over, shift position, or knock into one another causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A pin matrix assembly serves as an intermediary device between the container group and the pallet/conveyor belt. The assembly includes a frame with multiple pins arranged in a matrix pattern that engage with containers to provide stable support and controlled movement, preventing tipping and collision while maintaining efficient transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple individual pins arranged in a matrix, rather than using a single rigid support. This segmentation allows each pin to independently engage with containers, providing adaptability to different container configurations while maintaining overall stability during the moving process
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to handle various container shapes and sizes, then versatility is improved, but the device requires recalibration for each container configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The pin matrix assembly is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate various container shapes, sizes, and configurations without requiring recalibration. The matrix of pins provides adaptable engagement points that work with different container geometries, making the system multi-functional across diverse packaging scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different container configurations by utilizing the geometric arrangement and spacing of pins in the matrix, rather than requiring mechanical or electronic parameter adjustments. The physical parameters of the pin matrix (spacing, height, arrangement) are designed to naturally adapt to various container dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A device for moving containers or other objects relative to a surface such as a pallet includes a frame and a pin matrix movably attached to the frame. The pin matrix includes an array of pins and is housed in a plate having apertures for receiving the pins. The device further includes a pair of tracks that movably support the pin matrix. A method for moving containers or other objects relative to a surface includes the steps of moving the pin matrix over the objects, lowering the pin matrix, securing the objects within the pin matrix, moving the pin matrix and the objects relative to the surface, and raising the pin matrix.