Pivoting Diverter for Vertical Pallet Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving pallets vertically in manufacturing facilities are inefficient, as they often rely on steeply angled tracks that are prone to slipping and make it difficult to precisely remove objects from pallets during vertical transitions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a diverter that moves through multiple angles to convey pallets vertically, allowing for precise unloading by maintaining a horizontal orientation, which enables the use of robotic arms for efficient and precise removal of objects from pallets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steeply angled tracks are used to move pallets vertically, then vertical movement is achieved, but the tracks are prone to slipping and make precise object removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter is made dynamically adjustable, allowing it to change its angle relative to horizontal. It can be positioned at a first angle for receiving pallets from an upper conveyor, moved to a second angle for precise object removal, and then adjusted to a third angle for transferring to a lower conveyor. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable vertical movement and ease of object removal at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular parameter of the diverter to optimize performance for different tasks. By adjusting the diverter angle, the system transitions between modes: receiving pallets at an angled position, becoming horizontal for stable object removal, and then re-angling for transfer. This parameter change enables both reliable vertical transport and easy object removal without compromising either function.
2Area of stationary object
If a pallet is moved vertically during object removal, then space is saved, but precise positioning for object removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by moving the pallet to the diverter at an angled position before object removal. The diverter then rotates to a horizontal position specifically for the object removal operation, providing a stable, precisely positioned platform. This preliminary positioning followed by orientation adjustment achieves both space efficiency and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces rotational movement as an additional degree of freedom. Instead of only vertical movement, the diverter adds rotational capability to change from an angled receiving position to a horizontal removal position. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain compact vertical space while achieving precise horizontal positioning for object removal.
3Productivity
If the diverter moves through multiple angles, then both vertical movement and precise unloading are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple operations: receiving pallets from the upper conveyor, providing a stable platform for object removal, and transferring pallets to the lower conveyor. By consolidating these functions into a single adjustable component, the system achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same mechanism serves all purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter acts as an intermediary between the upper and lower conveyors. Rather than having separate mechanisms for vertical transfer and object removal, the diverter mediates both functions. It temporarily holds the pallet in a horizontal orientation for removal while maintaining connection to the vertical conveyor system, simplifying the overall device architecture while improving productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a reliable and precise means to move pallets vertically while enabling rapid and accurate unloading of objects, improving the efficiency and precision of component part handling in manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyor track conveys the pallet by gravity toward the diverter
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for moving loaded pallets from one location to another, such as from a region of an assembly line to a vertically lower region of the same assembly line. A first conveyor track is angled downwardly from a source of loaded pallets toward a diverter, which is driven to pivot about one end. The diverter receives the pallet when the diverter is parallel to the first conveyor track and then pivots to a horizontal orientation at which it is unloaded. Upon the last object on the pallet being removed, the diverter pivots downwardly to become parallel to a second conveyor track that is angled downwardly from the diverter, and is released to slide down the second conveyor track. The pallet is preferably precisely located and clamped in the diverter.