Synchronous Vertical Movement for Layer Transfer Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing palletizing methods are limited by the need for support levels to be stationary during the transfer of article layers, leading to significant waiting times and reduced efficiency due to the requirement for vertical alignment before transfer can begin.

Innovation Solution

The method involves synchronous and coordinated vertical movements of support levels between modules to enable horizontal transfer of article layers during lifting or lowering processes, allowing for earlier initiation of transfers and minimizing downtime between depositing and picking up layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If support levels are kept stationary during transfer, then transfer stability is improved, but transfer time increases due to waiting for vertical alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer stabilityVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling support levels to move vertically during the transfer process rather than remaining stationary. The first and second support levels perform coordinated vertical movements while transferring the article layer, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically to reduce waiting time while maintaining transfer stability through synchronized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing vertical movements of the support levels in coordination with the transfer process. The support levels begin their vertical positioning actions before the transfer is complete, and continue moving during the transfer, thereby eliminating the need to wait for complete vertical alignment before initiating transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If vertical alignment is completed before transfer, then transfer precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to idle waiting time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer precisionVSAvoidpalletizing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that the vertical movements of the support levels and the horizontal transfer occur simultaneously and continuously. The support levels maintain their coordinated vertical positioning throughout the entire transfer process, eliminating idle waiting periods while preserving transfer precision through continuous synchronized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the vertical positions of both support levels during the transfer operation, allowing precision to be maintained through active coordination rather than static alignment. The control system continuously monitors and adjusts the vertical movements to ensure precise transfer while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If support levels move vertically during transfer, then transfer speed is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vertical positioning function with the horizontal transfer function into a single coordinated operation. The control system integrates the vertical movements of both support levels with the horizontal transfer motion, combining multiple functions into a unified control process that achieves high speed while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the positions of the support levels and adjusting their vertical movements in real-time during the transfer process. This feedback mechanism ensures that the coordinated vertical movements maintain the necessary precision while enabling faster transfer speeds, managing control complexity through active regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2825490B1Method for transferring layers of articles between neighbouring modules
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 KRONES AG
  • EP2825490B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2825490B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2825490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for horizontally moving a group or layer (10) of articles from one first vertically movable support plane (38) of a first module (12) onto a second vertically movable support plane (40) of a second module (14) arranged directly downstream of the first module (12) in a conveying direction (20, 50) while largely maintaining the positions of a plurality of articles (16) relative to one another, said plurality forming the group or layer (10) of articles. The movement or transfer is carried out by means of a transferring device (19). Additionally, the horizontal movement of the group or layer (10) of articles is carried out with first and second support planes (38, 40) of the first and second modules (12 and 14), wherein the planes are approximately aligned with each other and can be moved in a vertical direction in a synchronized manner during the transferring process.