Reconfigurable Part Transport Pallet for Precise Multi-Part Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pallets require dedicated mechanisms for aligning and positioning specific types of parts, necessitating the production of multiple pallets for different components, which is inefficient and increases equipment costs.

Innovation Solution

A part transporting pallet with a lifter and multiple part aligning units, including position aligning pins and support pads, that can adjust to accommodate various part types, allowing for flexible positioning and transportation by autonomous mobile robots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If dedicated mechanisms are formed on pallets for aligning or correctly positioning specific types of parts, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring multiple pallet types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpallet structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pallet is designed with multiple part aligning units that can accommodate different types of parts through adjustable position aligning pins. The same pallet structure can be used for various part types by reconfiguring the aligning units, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated pallet designs while maintaining positioning precision for each part type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The part aligning units incorporate adjustable position aligning pins that can be repositioned according to different part types. This dynamic adjustability allows the pallet to adapt its configuration for different positioning requirements without requiring multiple fixed-purpose pallet structures, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple dedicated pallets are produced for different part types, then positioning precision for each part type is improved, but loss of substance increases due to redundant pallet production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single pallet design with reconfigurable part aligning units serves multiple part types, eliminating the need to produce multiple dedicated pallets. This universal approach reduces material consumption and manufacturing waste while maintaining the positioning precision required for different part types through adjustable position aligning pins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If dedicated pallets are produced for each part type, then positioning precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased equipment investment and setup time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal pallet with adjustable part aligning units eliminates the need to produce and switch between multiple dedicated pallets for different part types. This reduces equipment investment and setup time while maintaining positioning precision, thereby improving overall production efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable position aligning pins allow quick reconfiguration of the pallet for different part types without requiring pallet replacement or complex setup procedures. This dynamic adaptability reduces downtime and increases production efficiency while maintaining the positioning precision needed for various part types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4043144A1Pallet for transporting parts
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4043144A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4043144A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4043144A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A part transporting pallet transports a part to a predetermined destination by a mobile carriage that includes a lifter which is configured for moving upwards and downwards in a vertical direction, and includes: a pallet body that forms at least one coupling hole which may be coupled with the lifter; and plurality of part aligning units have at least two position aligning pins that correctly position parts of different types on the pallet body, and are provided on the pallet body to vary the position of the position aligning pins according to the types of the parts.