Rotating Container Holder for Parallel Packing Station Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage systems face bottlenecks at packing stations due to the sequential delivery of storage containers, leading to delays in the retrieval and packing of goods, as each container is returned to the storage shelf before a new one is delivered.
Innovation Solution
A rotating device with multiple holding devices connected via a central frame and drive system allows for independent or dependent rotation, enabling simultaneous delivery and retrieval of storage containers, reducing the need for sequential handling and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential delivery of storage containers is used, then the system structure is simple, but the productivity is reduced due to bottlenecks at packing stations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container delivery system is segmented into multiple independent holding devices (first, second, third holding devices) that can operate simultaneously. Each holding device can receive, hold, and deliver storage containers independently, allowing parallel operations at different packing stations, thereby eliminating the sequential bottleneck while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional sequential delivery approach to a multi-dimensional concurrent delivery system. By arranging multiple holding devices in different spatial positions around a central rotating mechanism, the system enables simultaneous deliveries to multiple packing stations, adding spatial dimensionality to the delivery process and resolving the productivity-complexity contradiction
2Productivity
If multiple holding devices are added to enable simultaneous handling, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive devices that would otherwise operate independently are merged into a single common drive arrangement. The common drive mechanism rotates the central structure, which simultaneously positions multiple holding devices, allowing one drive system to control multiple delivery points. This merging reduces the overall drive system complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver multiple containers simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The common drive arrangement serves multiple functions: it rotates the central structure, positions all holding devices simultaneously, and enables coordinated delivery to multiple packing stations. This multi-functional design allows a single drive mechanism to perform the work of multiple independent drives, increasing productivity while controlling device complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating device for receiving and handling goods or products, where the device has a number of holding devices designed for receiving storage devices, where the holding devices are rotatable about a central axis in the rotating device by a common drive arrangement, where at least one holding device with a received storage device is made available to an operator, while at least one other holding device is made available for receiving a storage device.