Recessed Slider Pallet Layout for Higher Workpiece Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece conveying wheeled platforms have limited stacking capacity due to the height of guide and drive mechanisms, necessitating frequent setup of workpieces, which increases manual labor and reduces workability.
Innovation Solution
The platform features a recessed slider with a placing part for pallets, guided by mechanisms on both sides and driven by a mechanism on one side, allowing increased stacking capacity and reduced setup frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide mechanisms and drive mechanism are arranged under the placing table of the slider, then the slider can be supported and moved in the predetermined direction, but the height from the installation surface to the upper surface of the placing table increases, limiting the number of stacked workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the guide mechanisms from the vertical dimension (under the placing table) to the horizontal dimension (on both sides of the placing table). This dimensional transition allows the slider to be supported and guided without increasing the vertical height, thereby enabling greater workpiece stacking capacity while maintaining reliable slider movement.
2Quantity of substance
If workpieces are directly stacked on the placing table to increase stacking capacity, then the height of the pallet can be utilized, but the setup work becomes completely manual, increasing working time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pallet as an intermediary object between the placing table and the workpieces. The pallet serves as a carrier that enables automated or semi-automated handling and setup of workpieces, reducing manual labor while maintaining increased stacking capacity through the pallet's height.
3Ease of operation
If the stacking height of workpieces is limited to a predetermined height, then the uppermost workpiece can be properly picked up by the loading machine, but the number of stacked sheets is limited, increasing the frequency of setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workpiece storage system into multiple layers using pallets, allowing workpieces to be stacked higher than the predetermined height limit. The loading machine picks up workpieces from the uppermost layer while the underlying layers remain intact, enabling continuous operation with reduced setup frequency while maintaining proper pickup capability.
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
The solution enhances workability by increasing stacking capacity and reducing the need for manual setup, stabilizing operations, and facilitating easy pallet handling.
Implementation Method 1
a rack member that is provided, on part of an installation surface on a floor, below the placing table of the slider, and extends in the predetermined direction, and a pinion that is connected to an output shaft of the electric motor and is engaged with the rack member
Implementation Method 2
a pair of guide mechanisms that support the slider so as to be movable in the predetermined direction are arranged below the placing table of the slider
Data Source
AI summary
A slider configured to move in a predetermined direction between a setup area and a pickup area is provided in a vicinity of a loading machine that supplies a workpiece W to a working machine. The slider is recessed to form a placing part for placing a pallet. Guide mechanisms for supporting the slider so as to be movable in the predetermined direction are respectively arranged on both sides in a lateral direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction in the placing part of the slider. A drive mechanism for moving the slider in the predetermined direction is arranged on at least one side in the lateral direction of the placing part.