Stacked Container Transfer Layout Without a Central Lifting Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in transferring the lowest container of a stacked container group due to the need for a lifting table that is lifted and lowered with each separation, hindering the efficiency of unstacking and stacking processes.
Innovation Solution
A container processing apparatus with a first lifting device and a second lifting device, each with independent drive units, allows for collective handling of stacked containers and selective handling of the lowest container, enabling smooth transfer without a lifting table that is lifted and lowered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting table is used to support the lowest container during unstacking processing, then the container can be smoothly transferred to the conveyor device, but the lifting and lowering operations of the lifting table hinder improvement in unstacking processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented into two independent devices: the first lifting device for the stacked container group and the second lifting device for the lowest container. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of both lifting functions, eliminating the sequential dependency that reduced productivity while maintaining smooth transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lifting device extracts the function of supporting and transferring the lowest container from the first lifting device. This extraction allows the two lifting operations to occur independently and simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between smooth transfer and processing efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a lifting table is provided to support the lowest container, then container transfer is enabled, but the conveyor device must be configured with the lifting table at a center region, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is segmented into two independent lifting devices positioned at different locations. The first lifting device is positioned at a first location and the second lifting device is positioned at a second location, eliminating the need for centralized configuration and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single centralized lifting table in the vertical dimension to two distributed lifting devices in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This dimensional redistribution allows flexible positioning that simplifies the overall conveyor device configuration.
3Productivity
If the first lifting device holds and moves the stacked container group, then efficient stacking is achieved, but the lowest container must be separately managed requiring additional lifting capability
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is divided into two specialized devices: the first lifting device optimized for holding and moving the stacked container group, and the second lifting device optimized for managing the lowest container. This segmentation achieves efficient stacking while clearly defining the boundaries of each device's responsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the first and second lifting devices can independently perform lifting operations, providing multi-functionality that allows flexible management of different container states (stacked vs. individual) without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Each first locking unit of a pair of first locking units (11) is positioned in such a manner that a plurality of first locking portions (14) are respectively locked to side surfaces of a plurality of containers (90) included in a stacked container group arranged in a container group arrangement region (A), in a state where the first locking portions (14) are lined up along an up-down direction (V) and face the container group arrangement region (A). Each second locking unit of a pair of second locking units (21) is positioned in such a manner that a second locking portion (24) is locked to a side surface of the lowest container (90) of the stacked container group arranged in the container group arrangement region (A), in a state where the second locking portion faces the container group arrangement region (A).