Sensor-Guided Depalletising Head for Damage-Free Layer Sliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depalletising systems risk damaging containers or interposed sheets due to confinement walls during the lifting process, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A depalletising system with a removal head using suction and sliding, combined with a movable unloading support and sensor-guided positioning, allows precise layer removal without confinement walls, adapting to misalignments and compensating for uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If confinement walls are used to position the stack of layers, then the stack remains arranged according to a predefined position, but the containers, layers, or interlayer sheets may be hit, damaged, or moved during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the confinement walls from the positioning zone, extracting the harmful element that caused damage to containers and sheets while maintaining positioning stability through alternative means (positioning sensors and controlled lifting mechanisms).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positioning sensors and controlled lifting mechanisms as intermediary elements to replace the physical confinement walls, enabling stable positioning without direct contact between walls and containers/sheets, thus preventing damage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If confinement walls are used to constrain the stack, then the layers remain in predefined position, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the confinement walls from the positioning zone, reducing structural complexity and cost while maintaining layer position stability through sensor-based control and simplified mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning approach from physical confinement (walls) to parameter-based control (sensor detection and controlled lifting), reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning stability.
3Ease of operation
If the removal head uses suction and sliding to move the upper layer, then the layer can be removed without confinement walls, but precise positioning requires additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical confinement with a suction-based removal system, allowing layer removal without physical walls. The suction force and sliding motion work together to move the layer, eliminating the need for confinement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates positioning sensors that provide feedback to the control system, enabling precise positioning and adjustment of the removal head and unloading support, ensuring accurate layer removal without confinement walls.
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 damage-free depalletising of loose container layers by minimizing contact with containment walls, optimizing movement and reducing the risk of container or sheet damage.
Implementation Method 1
The removal head 3 comprises suction means 30. They perform a suction action on the layer of containers. This causes a stiffening of the layer of containers, which are constrained to the head 3 by suction.
Data Source
AI summary
A depalletising system, including:a zone for positioning a stack of layers of loose containers;a head for removing an upper layer of said layers of the stack; the removal head being suitable for moving said upper layer by sliding; the removal head including at least one sidewall for pushing the upper layer;an unloading support movable with respect to the stack and that allows the upper layer moved by the removal head to be supported;sensor means that allow the reaching of a desired position of the support with respect to the upper layer to be detected.