Rotating Pallet Handling Frame for Fragile and Variable Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet management devices are inadequate for handling loads with varying orientations, sizes, and types, including fragile and non-overturnable items, requiring multiple machines and manual rearrangement, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional device with a motorized rotating frame, independently operable platform and wall elements, and programmable actuators, allowing flexible handling of loads with any orientation and size, including clamping, rotating, and stabilizing features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device uses movable side walls to grip and suspend loads, then it can replace pallets for robust loads, but it cannot handle fragile packages, bags, or envelopes
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the clamping function into two independent systems: wall elements for gripping and platform elements for supporting. This segmentation allows the platform elements to provide a stable base for fragile items while wall elements handle the gripping function, making the device suitable for both robust and fragile loads
Solution Approach 2:
The platform elements act as an intermediary between the load and the base structure. They provide a stable supporting surface that distributes the load, preventing direct contact between the gripping walls and fragile items, thus enabling safe handling of delicate packages
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device rotates the pallet-load complex to remove and replace pallets, then it can handle various load types, but it cannot handle non-overturnable articles like wines, equipment, or containers with dust/liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the rotation function from the support function. The frame member can rotate independently to change orientation, while the platform elements remain stationary to provide stable support. This allows the load to be rotated for pallet replacement without overturning fragile or contamination-sensitive items
Solution Approach 2:
The platform elements serve as an intermediary stable platform that prevents direct rotation of the load itself. They allow the frame to rotate for pallet exchange while keeping the load stationary and protected from contamination or damage
3Ease of manufacture
If a device has fixed conveying device width, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot handle large loads like solar panels or loads for small vertically spaced shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The device transforms from a static fixed-width conveying device to a dynamic system where platform elements can move independently. This allows the effective conveying width to be adjusted by positioning platform elements at different locations, enabling handling of both small and large loads without changing the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying function is segmented into multiple independent platform elements rather than a single fixed structure. Each platform can be positioned independently to accommodate different load sizes, providing flexibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular repetition of the same element design
4Stability of the object's composition
If manual separation and reconstitution of packages is used to stabilize loads, then it can restore load structure, but it is expensive, slow, and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service stabilization by using the platform elements and wall elements to automatically position and secure packages. The system uses its own structural components to perform the stabilization function that previously required manual intervention, eliminating the need for human workers to separately handle and reconstitute packages
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the functions of load stabilization and package positioning into a single integrated operation. The platform elements provide support while wall elements provide clamping, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve stability and efficient handling without requiring separate manual processes
Data Source
AI summary
Multifunctional device for managing a pallet with its load includes: —a base element (3) assigned to be placed and/or fixed to a floor or surface; —a frame member (5) connected to the base element (3) via a motorized rotation member (7) which can be operated to rotate the frame member around a horizontal or nearly horizontal rotation axis (R); —at least one pair of platform elements first (9) and second (11) facing each other and defining respective geometric planes parallel to each other and to the rotation axis (R), where at least the first platform element (9) can be operated, by means of a respective actuator, approaching and moving away from the second platform element (11); —at least one pair of wall elements first (15) and second (17) facing each other and defining respective geometric planes parallel to each other and to the rotation axis (R) and perpendicular to said platform elements (9, 11), where at least the second wall element (17) can be operated, by means of a respective actuator, approaching and moving away from the first wall element (15).