Stack Transfer Device Using Under-Wrapping Belt for Tight Space Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving stacks of flat products, such as newspapers, are inefficient and labor-intensive, as they require manual handling and are prone to product slippage and instability, especially when trying to place them in tight spaces or stack them adjacent to each other.
Innovation Solution
A method using a carrying device with a supporting part and a band that wraps around the stack from underneath, tensioned to lift and stabilize it, allowing for quick and space-efficient movement by positioning the supporting part on top and using a gripping device to manage the band for secure wrapping and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fork-shaped gripper is used to grasp the stack from opposite sides, then the stack can be lifted and moved, but the gripper requires space to the side of the pile preventing direct placement against adjacent piles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of grasping the stack from the sides (horizontal approach), the belt approaches from underneath and wraps around the stack, with the carrying part positioned above. This inverted approach allows the stack to be lifted vertically without requiring lateral space, enabling direct placement against adjacent piles.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism transitions from a horizontal side-grasping approach to a vertical under-wrapping and top-pressing approach. The belt moves from the underside of the stack upward, and the carrying part presses down from above, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve gripping without lateral space requirements.
2Speed
If the stack is moved rapidly like wood panels using a crane, then transfer speed increases, but the stack becomes unstable and products slip
Solution Approach 1:
The state of the stack changes from unstable to stable through the application of compressive force. The carrying part presses down on the stack with a specific force parameter, transforming the physical state of the stack to prevent slippage during rapid movement, enabling speeds compatible with high-speed printing presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt wraps around the stack and the carrying part presses down on it before the stack is lifted and during transport. This preliminary stabilizing action ensures the stack remains secure and stable throughout the movement process, enabling rapid transfer without slippage.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual handling is used to place stacks in tight spaces, then precise placement is achieved, but the process becomes laborious, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device with the belt and carrying part automatically performs the wrapping, pressing, lifting, and placement operations. The system serves itself by mechanically securing the stack without human intervention, achieving both precise placement in tight spaces and high transfer efficiency suitable for automated printing press environments.
4Reliability
If a band is manually grasped and hooked onto a hook for rod material, then the bundle is secured, but the procedure is very time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operation of grasping and hooking a band is replaced by an automated mechanical system. The belt is automatically wrapped around the stack by the gripping device and tensioned by the carrying part, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing the time required while maintaining secure bundling.
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
This method reduces the risk of product slippage and enables rapid, safe, and space-efficient transfer of flat products, allowing for easy insertion into tight spaces and adjacent stacking without damaging the products.
Implementation Method 1
the belt is then tensioned, wherein the support part is pressed against the stack by tensioning the belt
Implementation Method 2
the belt is guided around the underside of the stack and fastened to the carrying part
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to move a stack (S) of flat laminar products, a carrying device (11) is used that has a support part (12), which is positioned above the stack, and a strap (24), which is secured to the support part. The strap is guided about the stack on the lower face and is secured to the support part, whereupon the support part is pressed against the stack by tensioning the strap and the stack surrounded by the strap on the lower face is then lifted. The stack is subsequently moved to a target storage area, and the strap is then released from the stack. The strap is gripped by a gripping device (18) and is drawn from a strap storage spool (13) mounted on the support part, and the strap is placed about the stack. The strap is wound onto the strap storage spool in order to tension the strap.