Pivoting Retaining Elements for Package Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pick-up devices for packages are inflexible and require sufficient space for operation, limiting accessibility and handling options since they need to grip packages from both sides, restricting their use for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A pick-up device with pivotable retaining elements that can adjust angles independently, allowing for flexible handling of packages from one side, enabling folding, nesting, and flipping of packages, and accommodating packages in restricted spaces through synchronized or asynchronous pivoting and the use of suction devices or grippers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional claws grip packages from above requiring space for movement, then packages can be picked up, but sufficient space must be provided for claw movement and packages must be accessible from both above and bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The pick-up device is segmented into multiple retaining elements (first retaining element with first retaining side, second retaining element with second retaining side) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to access packages from one side only, eliminating the need for bottom accessibility required by traditional claw designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are arranged in different spatial dimensions - they can be positioned in a starting position where retaining sides are aligned horizontally, and in a pivoted position where they are arranged vertically opposite to each other. This dimensional flexibility enables package manipulation in restricted spaces without requiring vertical clearance for claw movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retaining elements are arranged in starting position with aligned retaining sides, then packages accessible from one side can be picked up, but handling possibilities are restricted compared to multi-sided access
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are designed to be pivotable about a common pivotal axis, allowing dynamic reconfiguration between starting position (horizontally aligned) and pivoted position (vertically opposite). This dynamic capability provides multiple handling possibilities including folding package sections, placing packages one upon another, or nesting packages, while maintaining the ability to pick up packages accessible from one side.
Solution Approach 2:
The pick-up device achieves multi-functionality through the pivotable retaining elements that can perform multiple operations: picking up packages from one side, folding package sections, placing packages vertically, nesting packages, and manipulating packages in restricted spaces. This universal design replaces the need for different specialized tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If first and second retaining elements are pivotable about common pivotal axis with independent angles, then new handling possibilities are created for folding and nesting packages, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first retaining element and second retaining element share a common pivotal axis, merging the rotation control into a single axis rather than requiring separate axes for each element. This reduces mechanical complexity while still allowing independent angular positioning (first angle and second angle) of each retaining element relative to the starting position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If retaining elements pivot to vertically opposite positions, then additional handling possibilities are enabled, but stability and vibration control become critical
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the positions and movements of the retaining elements during pivoting and adjusts actuation to maintain stability. This feedback control prevents excessive vibrations when retaining elements reach the vertically opposite pivoted position, ensuring stable package manipulation while enabling the full range of handling possibilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A pick-up device for picking up packages that may include a frame to which a first and a second retaining element are mounted. Each retaining element may comprise a retaining side that is adapted to hold a package or a package section. The first and the second retaining elements may be adapted to be arranged in a starting position, such that the first and the second retaining sides are oriented one next to the other in an aligned manner. Both the first and the second retaining elements are pivotable about a common pivot axis, so that in at least one pivoted position, both the first and the second retaining elements are arranged pivoted by a first and a second angle respectively, wherein the retaining element are pivoted relative to the starting position. In one embodiment, both the first and the second angles are greater than zero.