Rotary Table Box Manipulator with Independent Tables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary table manipulators are inflexible and have low productivity in handling boxes of different configurations and shapes, as they are limited by the rigidity of the ball-type conveyor system, which restricts the ability to rotate boxes or bundles independently and efficiently stack them based on desired positions and pallet configurations.
Innovation Solution
A rotary table manipulator with multiple independently movable tables and a conveyor belt system that allows for flexible orientation and positioning of boxes or bundles, using alignment sensors and separate engines for each table to adjust their position and orientation according to the desired configuration, enabling handling of varying box sizes and shapes with improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ball-type conveyor system with a single rotary table is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the productivity is low and the ability to handle different box configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent rotary tables (first rotary table and second rotary table) that can operate independently. Each table can handle boxes separately, allowing parallel processing and increasing overall productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary tables are made dynamically controllable with independent rotation capabilities. The system can adjust rotation speeds, directions, and stopping positions independently for each table, enabling flexible handling of different box configurations and significantly improving productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid ball-type conveyor system is used, then the structure is stable, but the flexibility to rotate boxes or bundles independently is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into multiple independent rotary tables, each capable of independent rotation. This allows different boxes on different tables to be oriented independently according to their specific requirements, greatly enhancing adaptability while the modular structure keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary tables are designed with universal functionality to handle various box types and configurations. Each table can perform multiple operations including rotation, positioning, and stacking in different orientations, making the system highly versatile without requiring separate specialized equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If boxes are handled in a fixed sequence on a single conveyor belt, then the system is simple to operate, but the ability to accommodate different arrival rates and box sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into multiple independent rotary tables that can process different boxes independently. This allows the system to accommodate varying box sizes, shapes, and arrival rates by assigning different handling sequences to different tables, enhancing adaptability while maintaining straightforward operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of each rotary table based on box characteristics and arrival rates. Each table can be independently controlled to rotate, stop, and position boxes according to their specific requirements, providing adaptability without complicating overall system operation
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 productivity by allowing independent rotation and configuration of boxes or bundles, accommodating different arrival rates and sizes, and ensures stable stacking by compensating for irregular box thicknesses, resulting in a highly flexible and efficient palletization process.
Implementation Method 1
due to the contact with the lower surface, the balls rotate at twice the speed of the belt, and advance the boxes above the supporting plane
Implementation Method 2
the balls will rotate in the opposite direction, rotating, in turn, the box up to the desired position
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary table box manipulator, comprising: a horizontal supporting plane (1); a first rotary table (2) inscribed in and coplanar with said horizontal plane; a conveyor belt (3) arranged in a loop and movable along a longitudinal advancement direction above the supporting plane (1) and the table (2), equipped with a distribution of rotating balls (4) whose lower part is in contact with the upper surface of the plane (1) and of the table (2), so as to define an upper movable surface for supporting and transporting one or more boxes or packages of boxes (5), further comprising at least one second rotary table (6) inscribed in and coplanar with said first rotating table (2) and able to move independently from it.