Storage Station Adapters for Automated Jaw-Gripper Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blister machines face inefficiencies in storage and handling of storage stations due to non-uniform designs and lack of standardization, leading to complex and space-inefficient storage solutions, and the need for automatic handling of storage stations with jaw grippers.
Innovation Solution
A storage device comprising a storage station and an adapter means that allows for automatic handling by a jaw gripper, featuring contact portions designed to fit the base structure of the storage station, enabling grippable storage and minimizing gaps between stations for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage stations are designed with non-uniform shapes and contours to adapt to different small piece goods, then the storage device can handle various product types, but the picking device cannot automatically store all storage stations due to inconsistent geometries
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized adapter component is introduced as an intermediary element that couples non-uniform storage stations to the uniform gripping interface of the picking device. The adapter includes contact portions with standardized geometries that can be gripped by the jaw gripper, while the storage station itself maintains its product-specific shape. This mediator enables automatic handling without requiring modification of the storage stations' diverse designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter component serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized gripping interface for automatic handling, supports various storage station types, and enables both storage and retrieval operations. This universal component allows the picking device to handle diverse storage stations through a single standardized interface, achieving automation across different product types.
2Quantity of substance
If storage stations are stored in a shelving system by the user, then storage capacity is provided, but the storage system becomes complex and not space-optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The picking device's storage locations are designed to universally accommodate all storage station types through the standardized adapter interface. This eliminates the need for specialized shelving systems for different storage station types, simplifying the overall storage infrastructure while maintaining full storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual user-operated shelving system is replaced with an automated picking device that uses standardized mechanical interfaces (jaw gripper and adapter contact portions). This substitution automates the storage and retrieval processes while optimizing space utilization through vertical stacking and compact arrangement of storage locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If storage stations are detachably fastened to the dispensing station with screws, then refilling and cleaning is easier, but the fastening process requires manual intervention and is not optimized for automated handling
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter component serves as a mediator that decouples the fastening operation from the storage station itself. The adapter includes contact portions designed for automated gripping and manipulation, allowing the picking device to automatically attach and detach storage stations without requiring manual screw fastening. This maintains the detachable design for ease of maintenance while enabling full automation.
4Extent of automation
If the adapter means provides contact portions grippable by jaw gripper, then automated handling is enabled, but the adapter means must be precisely positioned and oriented on the base structure
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter component is designed with homogeneous, standardized geometries for the contact portions that match the jaw gripper's gripping interface. This standardization ensures consistent and reliable gripping across all storage stations, reducing the precision requirements for positioning. The uniform design allows for tolerance compensation and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage device for small piece goods, a kit for making a storage station storable, and a method for storing storage stations. The storage device comprises a storage station for small piece goods with a housing and a holding device, wherein the housing has an outer maximum housing contour, with a base structure, arranged below the housing, with two side regions and two end regions in each case. The storage device further comprises an adapter means with at least two contact means which are detachably arranged on the base structure and which are designed such that each contact means, in the fastened state, provides a contact portion adjacent to the side regions, which contact portions are designed and aligned such that the contact portions can be gripped by clamping jaws of the jaw gripper.