Suction Table Trap Door for Palletized Goods Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing intermediate layers from palletized goods using suction grippers result in undefined placement and high costs due to the need for vacuum-assisted belt conveyors, which lead to inefficient storage and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where the suction table folds down like a flap door, allowing the intermediate layer to fall directly into a chute for defined placement, eliminating the need for vacuum conveyors and enabling efficient stacking and compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vacuum-assisted belt conveyor is used to transport the intermediate layer, then the intermediate layer can be held and moved, but the intermediate layer sails to the ground in an undefined manner and requires large storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermediate layer controlVSAvoidstorage space for intermediate layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transporting the intermediate layer forward with a conveyor belt, the suction table is inverted by opening the trap door, allowing the intermediate layer to fall straight down due to gravity. This reverses the conventional approach of horizontal transport to vertical drop, eliminating the sailing effect and undefined placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex vacuum-assisted belt conveyor system with a simpler trap door mechanism. The vacuum table holds the intermediate layer in place, and opening the trap door allows gravity to do the work of depositing the layer directly, eliminating the need for continuous conveyor operation and complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a vacuum-assisted belt conveyor is used to remove the intermediate layer, then the intermediate layer can be separated from goods, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermediate layer separationVSAvoidmanufacturing and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple trap door mechanism instead of an expensive, complex vacuum conveyor system. The trap door is a simple mechanical component that can be manufactured cheaply and requires minimal maintenance, replacing the costly vacuum-assisted belt conveyor while maintaining the essential function of intermediate layer separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function from the complex vacuum conveyor system - holding the intermediate layer with vacuum and then releasing it. By separating the holding function (vacuum table) from the transport function (belt conveyor), and replacing transport with a simple gravitational drop through trap door opening, the system achieves the same result with much simpler, cheaper equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the suction table is stationary, then the structure is simple, but the intermediate layer cannot be deposited in a defined manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction table structureVSAvoidintermediate layer placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suction table transitions from a stationary structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a trap door that can open and close. This dynamic element allows the table to change its configuration - closed for holding the intermediate layer, open for depositing it - enabling precise vertical placement while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The suction table is segmented into a fixed frame structure and a movable trap door component. This segmentation allows the main table structure to remain simple and stationary, while only the specific functional element (trap door) required for precise deposition is made movable, achieving precision without overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach allows for cost-effective and quick separation of intermediate layers, enabling precise stacking and compression, reducing storage space requirements and minimizing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a suction table (1), on whose surface the intermediate layer (22) is held by means of a vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the intermediate layer falls straight and unaccelerated due to its weight and is not influenced by any conveying mechanisms, downwards into a chute

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2062838B1Method and device for removing intermediate sheet between palletised goods

Publication Date: 2010.09.01 FPT PROJEKT

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AI summary

The device has an intermediate layer formed between individual sections that store the intermediate layer along with cargos and goods on a feeding system (8) that serially separates the cargos and goods. The feeding system has a belt conveyor with a suction platform as a suction table. The suction platform is adhered with the intermediate layer by vacuum. The suction table is formed from two suction plates (2, 3), which are separated from each other, where one of the plates is deviatable in a hinged door in a horizontal plane. An independent claim is also included for a method for removing intermediate sheet between palletized goods.