Rotatable Support Platform for Flexible Packing Cell Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing and stacking systems require significant downtime and are cumbersome when switching between different box types and stacking patterns, necessitating substantial changes in configuration and storage of multiple units.
Innovation Solution
A packing cell with a rotatable support platform and a box handling robot that can adapt to different angular positions and stacking patterns, along with modular build-up bases that can be easily swapped using a tool changer system, allowing for quick changes between box types and patterns without altering the overall layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses fixed configuration for each case type and stacking pattern, then the packing operation is stable and reliable, but the adaptability to different case types and stacking patterns is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform is made rotatable about a horizontal axis, allowing it to dynamically change its angular position to accommodate different stacking patterns (horizontal, vertical, inclined). This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for multiple fixed configurations and enables a single system to handle various case types and stacking patterns flexibly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to handle multiple case types and stacking patterns, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple stacking operations (horizontal, vertical, inclined) by rotating to different angular positions. This universal design allows a single platform to replace multiple dedicated platforms, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining the ability to handle various case types and stacking patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system configuration is changed to adapt to different case types and stacking patterns, then the adaptability is improved, but the time required for changes and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support platform enables quick transitions between different stacking patterns through simple rotation to predetermined angular positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly of mechanical components. This dynamic adjustment mechanism significantly reduces reconfiguration time and minimizes system downtime when switching between different case types and stacking patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A packing cell for packing products in boxes includes a picking system for picking products and stacking them according to a stacking pattern, a support unit for the stacking process, with a rotatable horizontal shaft for placing a support platform in a predetermined angular position for the stacking process, and a box handling robot to transfer empty boxes towards the support unit and full boxes away from the support unit. A method includes placing the support platform in a predetermined angular position adjacent a product picking system, picking and stacking a number of products according to a stacking pattern on the support unit, and removing from the support unit, with a box handling robot, a box containing the stacked products.