Sack Stacking Recesses via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stacking filled sacks often require special lifting devices due to the absence of recesses for forklifts, leading to high costs and inaccuracies, and are not adaptable to all sack formats, compromising stability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A transport device and system that integrates filled special sacks of varying formats into the stacking process, allowing for the creation of alternative stacking patterns with recesses suitable for forklifts, using a conveyor unit, delivery unit, and intermediate storage to automate the stacking process and reduce dependency on specific sack formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If palletless stacking is used to eliminate pallets, then cost is reduced, but special lifting devices are required which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidlifting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom layer of the bag stack is segmented into individual bags arranged with gaps between them, creating recesses that function as lifting interfaces. This segmentation allows standard forklifts to engage and lift the stack without requiring special lifting devices, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bag stack itself provides the lifting function through its own structure - the gaps in the bottom layer create recesses that enable direct engagement by standard forklifts. The stack serves its own lifting needs without external special equipment, eliminating the need for complex lifting devices while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If recesses are created in the bottom layer for forklift engagement, then handling is improved, but automation becomes very complex and inaccuracies arise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandlingVSAvoidautomation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are created during the stacking process itself by arranging bags in the bottom layer with intentional gaps, rather than creating recesses after stacking. This preliminary arrangement of bags during automated stacking ensures accurate recess formation without requiring complex post-processing or manual intervention, improving both handling and automation compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking system adjusts bag placement parameters to create consistent gaps in the bottom layer. By controlling the positioning parameters of bags during automated stacking, the system forms accurate recesses that enable forklift engagement while maintaining full automation without complex additional mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If large recesses are formed to accommodate forklifts, then forklift engagement is enabled, but stability against tipping is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforklift engagementVSAvoidstack stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bag arrangement applies different qualities to different parts of the stack: the bottom layer has gaps creating recesses for forklift engagement, while the upper layers maintain continuous, tight packing for stability. This local differentiation allows the bottom layer to provide handling access while the overall stack structure maintains tipping resistance through proper weight distribution and compact upper layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3583057B1Transport device, system for stacking filled sacks and method for stacking filled sacks
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP3583057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3583057B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3583057B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport device (10) for conveying filled sacks (1, 2), having a conveyor unit (13) which can form at least part of a conveying path (3) for conveying filled standard sacks (1) from a feed station (101) to a stacking region (105). The invention also relates to a system (100) for stacking filled sacks (1, 2) and a method for stacking filled sacks (1, 2).