Automated Product Stacking System with Sliding Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual handling and packaging of diverse products lead to damage, contamination, and high labor costs, with existing automated systems being complex and costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

An automated supply system featuring a conveyor with longitudinal guides, product sensors, and actuators to align and stack products efficiently, eliminating human contact and using a sliding base to release stacks into packages, along with a retractable member for support and a clinching actuator for package opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling and packaging is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but product damage and contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct integrityVSAvoidmanual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated conveyor system that uses guided movement and controlled positioning mechanisms. The conveyor system with longitudinal guides and arranging members automatically stacks and packages products without human contact, eliminating the damage and contamination risks associated with manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual grouping and packaging is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidautomation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the packaging system into distinct functional segments: a conveyor system for transport, arranging members for stacking, a sliding base for package formation, and a retractable member for support. Each segment performs a specific function independently, allowing the system to achieve high packaging speeds through coordinated operation of simple, well-defined components rather than complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system with longitudinal guides serves multiple functions: it transports products, aligns them in rows, and positions them for stacking. The arranging members both stack products and guide their placement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual stacking is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but product damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidhandling process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sliding base as an intermediary mechanism between the arranging members and the final package. The sliding base receives stacked products and facilitates their transfer to the package in a controlled manner, preventing damage during the handoff process. The retractable member serves as another intermediary that provides support to products moving off the conveyor, ensuring gentle handling throughout the automated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If existing automated systems are used, then automation level is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging automationVSAvoidsystem construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic components including a movable sliding base that can extend and retract, and a retractable member that dynamically adjusts its position. These dynamic elements are implemented through simple actuation mechanisms rather than complex automated control systems, achieving automation while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward and the system cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7591124B2Automated supply system for delivery of different products to packaging mechanism

Publication Date: 2009.09.22 GRUPO BIMBO B DE C V

AI summary

An automated supply system stacks and releases a selected number of products. The products are deposited from a conveyor into an arranging member and formed into a stack of a selected number of products. The stack of products is released into packaging. A product discharged from the conveyor is supported by a sliding base, which lowers when the next product on the conveyor is detected by a sensor. Once the sensor detects a selected number of products deposited onto the sliding base, the sliding base is retracted, dropping the stack of products into packaging. A retractable member is extended to collect products subsequently released from the conveyor while the sliding base is in the retracted position. The retractable member is retracted when the sliding base has extended and returned to an initial position.