Seed Box Inverter Apparatus for Automated Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of large, heavy seed boxes in the agricultural industry is labor-intensive and expensive, and existing automated solutions are not effectively utilized with common fork trucks for nesting seed boxes for storage.
Innovation Solution
A box inverter apparatus using rotary clamp pads, spindle and bearing assemblies, pneumatic cylinders, and a viscous rotary speed governing device, which allows for the use of a forklift to invert and nest seed boxes by leveraging gravity and precise positioning mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated approaches using complex lifting apparatus are used to invert seed boxes, then automation level increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the forklift and gravity to perform the inversion work automatically. The seed box, when positioned on the forklift with the inverter apparatus, inverts itself under gravity without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms on the box. This achieves automation while keeping the device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter apparatus acts as an intermediary between the forklift and the seed box. It includes components like the inverted position sensor, clamp arms, and guide surfaces that facilitate the inversion process without requiring the forklift itself to be modified into a complex automated manipulator.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual handling of heavy seed boxes is used, then equipment cost is low, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter apparatus is designed to work with standard forklifts that are already commonly used in the industry. It doesn't require specialized or expensive handling equipment, making it universally applicable and cost-effective while still providing automated inversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated control system that uses sensors (inverted position sensor), pneumatic or hydraulic actuators (clamp arms), and control logic to automatically invert the seed boxes, reducing labor intensity while keeping equipment costs reasonable.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning mechanisms are added to control box inversion, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an inverted position sensor that provides feedback on the seed box's orientation. This feedback is used by the control system to determine when the inversion is complete and to control the clamp arms accordingly, achieving precise positioning without overly complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter apparatus uses gravity as a natural force to achieve the inversion. By positioning the seed box on guide surfaces and using gravity-assisted rotation, the system achieves precise inversion positioning without requiring complex active control mechanisms throughout the entire motion range.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and automated nesting of seed boxes using a standard forklift, reducing labor costs and improving handling efficiency by allowing a single operator to manage the heavy boxes with the assistance of gravity and controlled rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a viscous rotary speed governing device affixed to one of the spindle and bearing assemblies to control the rotation of one of the pair of bulk seed boxes
Implementation Method 2
a box inverter apparatus using rotary clamp pads, spindle and bearing assemblies, pneumatic cylinders, and a viscous rotary speed governing device, which allows for the use of a forklift to invert and nest seed boxes by leveraging gravity and precise positioning mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches a method for quickly and easily nesting and un-nesting bulk seed boxed. A first lower box is engaged with forks extending from a forklift truck, and the stacked boxes are elevated to a target height. Next, the forklift truck is advanced forward until the stacked boxes are in position in a box inverter apparatus, wherein the stacked boxes are positioned between opposing box engaging surfaces of rotary clamp pads. The rotary clamp pads engage the stacked boxes at a clamping location below the center of mass of the second, upper box unit. The forks of the fork truck carrying the first, lower box unit are then lowered until the first lower box unit is separated from the second, upper box unit, thereby affecting rotation of the second, upper box unit and rotary clamp pads until the second, upper box unit rotates a full 180 degrees to an inverted position. The forks carrying the lower box unit are raised upwardly such that the lower box unit nests inside the now inverted upper box unit. The rotary clamp pads are released from engagement with the outer surfaces of the upper box unit. Lastly, the nested first and second box units are removed from the box inverter apparatus.