Robotic Arm Winding Member for Palletized Load Top Sheet Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying top sheets to palletized loads are prone to uncontrollable movements and electrostatic issues, leading to incorrect positioning and increased complexity, which limits flexibility and space management in packaging plants.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a robotic arm with a winding and unwinding member that wraps the top sheet into a tube-shaped configuration, preventing accidental movements and allowing precise application, combined with a compact design that optimizes space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the top sheet is transferred from the portal structure to the load, then the sheet can be applied to the load, but the sheet undergoes accidental movements and crinkles due to electrostatic attraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static portal structure with a dynamic robotic arm system that can adapt its position and movement trajectory. The robotic arm with winding member actively controls the sheet transfer process, allowing real-time adjustments to prevent electrostatic-induced crinkles and positioning errors, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and reliability during sheet transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional mechanical portal structure with a robotic system that uses controlled motion and winding mechanisms. This replacement eliminates the electrostatic discharge issues inherent in the rigid portal structure by introducing a more controllable, adaptable mechanical system that can manage sheet transfer without causing accidental movements or crinkles.
2Ease of operation
If a portal structure is used to support the application device, then the top sheet can be applied to the load, but the machine layout is restricted and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm provides dynamic positioning capabilities that replace the fixed portal structure. This allows the top sheet application device to be repositioned or reconfigured as needed, greatly enhancing machine layout flexibility and adaptability to different production line configurations while maintaining full top sheet application functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system serves multiple functions: it can apply top sheets, adjust positioning, and adapt to different load configurations. This multi-functionality replaces the single-purpose portal structure, providing both the required top sheet application capability and the flexibility needed for various machine layouts and production requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the application device is fixed with respect to the machine and transit line, then the top sheet can be applied at a given position, but the machine's operational possibilities are greatly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm transforms the fixed application device into a dynamic system capable of movement and repositioning. This allows the top sheet application to occur at multiple positions and angles, greatly expanding operational possibilities while maintaining the ease of manufacture benefits through programmable control rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system divides the application process into controllable segments or positions, allowing selective application at different locations based on operational needs. This segmentation provides flexibility in where and how top sheets are applied, overcoming the limitations of fixed-position application while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through software control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for applying top sheets on palletised loads, including at least one support for at least one palletised load, of the feeding means of top sheets (C) to be applied on the palletised loads, suitable to unwind at least one film reel (B) from which a plurality of such sheets (C) can be obtained, and at least one applicator member suitable to place, one by one, the top sheets (C) obtained from the reel (B), over the top of respective palletised loads. The applicator member includes at least one robotic arm, having at least one operating end, and at least one winding and unwinding member, associated with such operating end; the winding and unwinding member is able to wrap the sheet (C), taken from the reel (B), on a wrapping surface to take a substantially tube-shaped configuration, and then to unwind it over the top of the palletised load.