Suspended Robot Support for Baking Station Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baking devices require significant floor space, are difficult to access for maintenance and cleaning, and have limited expandability, making them inefficient for automated baking and dispensing in sales facilities.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple stations for storing, baking, and dispensing baked goods, where a robot is suspended between stations using a support device that rests on opposite housings, allowing for flexible carrier transport without the need for floor or ceiling reinforcement, enabling easy expansion and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the robot is attached to the floor or ceiling, then the robot can be stably supported, but additional structural reinforcement is required and floor space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
A support device acts as an intermediary between the robot and the stations, transferring the robot's weight to the stations rather than requiring floor or ceiling support. The support device includes support sections that engage with stationary structures (stations) to provide stable support without occupying floor space or requiring additional reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from vertical support (floor/ceiling) to horizontal support between stations. By arranging support sections between stations set up opposite one another, the system utilizes the spatial dimension between stations to support the robot, freeing up floor space while maintaining stability.
2Ease of operation
If the loading device is centrally positioned with rail and column structure, then carrier transport is enabled, but the device requires large floor space and is difficult to access for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bringing the transport mechanism to the carriers (centralized rail and column structure), the carriers are brought to the transport mechanism. The robot moves carriers between stations, inverting the traditional approach where a centralized structure moves to each carrier position. This inversion improves accessibility since stations are positioned around the robot's path.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport function is segmented from a single centralized structure to multiple distributed stations. Each station can be independently accessed for maintenance and cleaning, rather than requiring access to a centralized column and rail structure. The support device is also segmented into multiple support sections that can engage with different stations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device structure is fixed and centralized, then stable operation is achieved, but expansion with further stations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates dynamic engagement capabilities, allowing support sections to engage with or disengage from stations as needed. This enables the system to adapt to different configurations and expand by adding or removing stations without compromising the stability of the overall structure. The robot can operate with varying numbers of stations based on operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing, baking, and discharging baked goods, comprising the following: - multiple stations (1, 2, 3, 4) with at least one respective housing (1a, 2a, 3a, 4a), including at least one storage station (1, 3) for receiving supports (10) loaded with baked goods (14), at least one baking station (2) for baking the baked goods located on the supports (10), and at least one discharge station (4) on which baked goods (14) are presented and removed, and - at least one robot (7) which transports said support (10) between said stations (1, 2, 3, 4). The device according to the invention is characterized in that a support device (16) is provided for securing a robot (7) in a suspended manner, wherein the support device (16) is arranged adjacently to and/or opposite constructed stations (1, 3) for supporting purposes.