Rotating Stone Sample Handling Unit with Intermediate Cassettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling of fragmented stone samples is difficult and time-consuming due to their small size and the need for manual manipulation, which can lead to errors in order and increased physical loading for operators.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving a storage box with parallel compartments and intermediate cassettes, facilitated by a handling unit with lids and locks, allows for simultaneous transfer and storage of multiple stone samples, reducing manual handling and maintaining order through tipping and turning mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of fragmented stone samples is used, then flexibility in manipulation is maintained, but handling time increases and operator physical loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is divided into separate functional modules: a storage box for holding multiple stone samples, intermediate cassettes for transfer, and a handling unit for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall system complexity compared to a fully automated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate cassettes serve as intermediary elements between the storage box and the final destination for stone samples. These cassettes receive multiple samples at once from the storage box and facilitate their transfer to various locations, reducing the need for direct manual handling of each sample individually.
2Reliability
If manual picking of each stone piece is performed, then adaptability to different sample configurations is maintained, but human error in order and physical loading increase
Solution Approach 1:
Stone samples are pre-arranged in the storage box in their correct order before handling begins. The system is designed so that when the storage box is tipped onto the intermediate cassettes, the samples automatically maintain their relative order. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual reordering and reduces human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is designed to maintain the order of stone samples automatically through its mechanical structure. The storage box and intermediate cassettes are configured so that the tipping and transfer actions naturally preserve the sequential arrangement of samples without requiring active intervention to maintain order.
3Productivity
If multiple stone samples are handled simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stone samples are combined and stored together in a single storage box with multiple compartments. This merging allows several samples to be handled simultaneously in one operation rather than individually, increasing productivity. The intermediate cassettes are also designed to receive and hold multiple samples at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate cassettes serve multiple functions: they receive samples from the storage box, hold samples during transfer, and facilitate distribution to various destinations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each handling stage, managing system complexity while maintaining high throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method of handling stone samples. The device (10) comprises a handling unit (13) rotatable relative to a frame (11) of the device. Inside the handling unit may be arranged a stone sample storage box (18) comprising several parallel stone samples (S). On the storage box may be arranged several intermediate cassettes (24) in an upside down position. The handling unit is turned (T) upside down in order to tip the stone samples from the storage box to the several intermediate cassettes. The intermediate cassettes are removed from the handling unit and the stone samples are tipped to individual sawing cassettes (9).