Robotic Corner Protector Setting System for Pallet Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner protector setting machines for palletized loads require complex and costly arrangements for each corner, necessitating four separate setups prior to or during the wrapping process, and are inefficient in handling different lengths and orientations of corner protectors.
Innovation Solution
A corner protector setting system utilizing a robot actuator with gripper units and integrated transfer and setting devices that can handle multiple lengths and orientations of corner protectors, allowing simultaneous setup of two protectors on opposite sides of the load, with storage magazines for easy refilling and integration into the wrapping machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If four separate corner protector setting arrangements are used for each corner of the load, then each corner can be protected, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines four separate corner protector setting arrangements into a single integrated apparatus that can service all four corners of a load. This is achieved by using a rotatable platform that positions a single corner protector magazine and transfer mechanism to serve multiple corners sequentially, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive corner protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The corner protector setting apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle different corner positions and protector orientations. The rotatable platform and adjustable transfer mechanism enable the same apparatus to service all four corners of a load and accommodate corner protectors of various lengths and orientations, eliminating the need for dedicated arrangements at each corner
2Ease of operation
If corner protectors are stored in separate magazines at each corner, then easy access is provided, but refilling becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple corner protector magazines into a single magazine location that is centrally positioned and easily accessible. This single magazine serves all four corners of the load through the rotatable platform mechanism, making refilling operations simpler and faster compared to managing four separate magazines distributed at different corners
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable platform acts as an intermediary between the single corner protector magazine and the four corners of the load. It enables the transfer mechanism to efficiently deliver corner protectors from the centrally located magazine to any corner position, maintaining ease of access while simplifying the refilling process
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single actuator handles corner protectors of different lengths and orientations, then versatility is improved, but the positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic transfer mechanism with adjustable positioning capabilities that can adapt to corner protectors of different lengths and orientations. The mechanism includes adjustable arms and positioning elements that can be configured for various protector dimensions, maintaining positioning accuracy while handling diverse protector types
Solution Approach 2:
The corner protector setting apparatus incorporates adjustable parameters such as transfer distance, positioning angle, and gripper position that can be modified based on the specific corner protector being handled. This parametric adjustability enables the system to maintain precise positioning accuracy while accommodating protectors of varying lengths and orientations
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for setting corner protectors on a load. In operation of one embodiment, an actuator retrieves a two corner protectors from a corner protector storage and provides the corner protectors to a corner protector transferring and setting system. The corner protector transferring and setting system transfers the corner protectors to a side of the load furthest from the actuator and sets the corner protectors against the two adjacent vertically extending corners of that side of the load. The actuator retrieves another two corner protectors from the corner protector storage and sets the two corner protectors against the two vertically extending corners of a side of the load closest to the actuator. A wrapping machine then wraps a film around the corner protectors and the load, thereby securing the corner protectors in place.