Multi-Axis Robot Palletizing with Dynamic Safety Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current palletizing solutions for low-speed lines are inefficient, costly, and pose safety risks due to the need for extensive operator intervention, with existing machines being oversized, expensive, and inflexible, and robotic solutions requiring enclosed safety enclosures that disrupt operations.
Innovation Solution
A palletizing device featuring a freely accessible multi-axis robot that deposits products in successive layers on a stack of pallets, with a station configured to receive and reference the pallets, allowing for reduced operator intervention and operation without a closed safety enclosure, using sensors for pallet detection and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-axis robot is used for palletizing, then automation and productivity are improved, but safety risks increase requiring closed enclosures that disrupt operations
Solution Approach 1:
The robot operates at variable speeds, moving faster when no products are present and slowing down when products are being transferred, allowing operators to work safely in the same space without requiring enclosed safety barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's operating parameters (speed, position) are dynamically adjusted based on the presence of products and operators, enabling safe collaborative operation without closed enclosures while maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If traditional palletizing machines are used, then palletizing capability is provided, but the equipment is oversized and too expensive for low-speed lines
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the palletizing function from the conveyor system, using a simple robot arm for palletizing while relying on the existing conveyor for product delivery, avoiding the need for complex dedicated palletizing machines
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system can handle multiple product types and pallet configurations, providing versatile palletizing capability that replaces expensive dedicated equipment while adapting to low-speed line requirements
3Ease of operation
If operator intervention is maintained for pallet handling, then flexibility and low cost are preserved, but safety risks and operational disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot acts as an intermediary between the conveyor system and pallets, automatically handling product transfer while operators only need to load products onto the conveyor, eliminating direct exposure to moving pallets and improving safety
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a palletisation device (1) comprising a freely accessible multiaxial robot (3) for gripping and moving the products (2) to be palletised, and at least one station (5) arranged on the ground, for receiving the pallets (4) on which the products (2) are deposited. Said device is characterised in that the at least one station (5) is designed to receive and position-reference a stack (6) of pallets (4) one above the other. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.