Straw Pack Palletizer With Cradle Compression And Tying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for packaging straw blocks for thermal insulation are costly, inefficient, and lack ergonomic design, making it difficult to transport and supply straw blocks from local production sites to construction sites while maintaining stability and reducing overall costs.

Innovation Solution

A palletizer system comprising a frame, cradle, and compression and tying mechanisms that allow for the efficient stacking, compression, and binding of straw blocks onto handling pallets, enabling high-height, stable pallets that maximize truck volume and reduce production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If straw blocks are packaged manually or with simple equipment, then implementation costs are reduced, but packaging efficiency and productivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging costVSAvoidpackaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging process is divided into distinct functional modules: the cradle for positioning, compression means for compacting straw blocks, tying means for securing, and tilting mechanism for palletization. Each module performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization and maintenance while achieving high overall productivity at reasonable cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be operated by a single worker who loads straw blocks onto the cradle, and the machine automatically performs compression, tying, and palletization functions. The equipment serves itself by integrating multiple functions into one cohesive system that requires minimal external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing palletizing equipment is used, then packaging capability is achieved, but overall operating costs and implementation costs are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging capabilityVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle serves multiple functions: it positions straw blocks during loading, supports them during compression, holds them during tying, and facilitates palletization through tilting. The compression means and tying means are integrated into the same structural framework, allowing one piece of equipment to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate machines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the cradle, compression system, tying system, and tilting mechanism into a single integrated palletizing machine. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate equipment for each function, reducing implementation costs while maintaining high packaging capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If straw blocks are stacked to maximize truck volume, then transport efficiency is improved, but pallet stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetruck volume utilizationVSAvoidpallet stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compression means compact straw blocks before they are stacked on the pallet, removing air gaps and creating a dense, stable foundation. The tying means then secures the compressed blocks together, preventing shifting during transport. These preliminary actions ensure that even high stacks remain stable throughout the journey

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The compression process changes the physical parameters of the straw blocks by reducing their volume and increasing their density. This parameter change transforms loose, unstable straw into compact, stable units that can be safely stacked to maximum height while maintaining pallet stability during transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Volume of moving object

If high-height pallets are created to optimize transport, then truck volume is maximized, but loading difficulty and ergonomic issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetruck volumeVSAvoidloading ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle can be tilted between a horizontal loading position and a vertical transport position. During loading, the cradle remains horizontal, allowing workers to easily place straw blocks at waist height. After loading, the cradle tilts vertically to create a high stack on the pallet. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve both ergonomic loading and maximum transport volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system enables a single operator to palletize up to 4 tons of material per day, optimizing truck space and reducing overall costs by providing a robust, economical solution for transporting and supplying straw blocks.

Implementation Method 1

the cradle being mounted at least rotatably on the frame between a lying loading position intended to allow the stacking of straw blocks on the platform against a pallet carried by the support base, and a raised position in which the platform extends vertically, and in which the support base is intended to allow the removal of a pallet supporting straw blocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

means for compressing straw blocks stacked on the platform against a pallet in the lying position of the cradle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

means for tying straw blocks to a pallet on which they are compressed in the lying position of the cradle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4480301B1A palletizer for straw packs
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 NJO
  • EP4480301B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4480301B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4480301B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a palletizer (11) for straw blocks (10), comprising: - a frame (21); - a cradle (31) mounted at least movably to rotation on the frame (21) between a horizontal loading position intended to allow stacking of straw blocks (10) against a pallet (12), and a raised position allowing the removal of a pallet (12) supporting straw blocks (10); - means for compressing straw blocks (10) stacked on the platform (311) against a pallet (12) in the horizontal position of the cradle (31); - means for tying straw blocks (10) to a pallet (12) on which they are compressed in the horizontal position of the cradle (31).