Telescoping Shuttle Packing System for Composite Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual repacking of articles into composite housings for variety packs is labor-intensive, prone to errors, and requires complex and costly robotic systems for automated packing heads.
Innovation Solution
An article selection and packing system utilizing telescoping shuttles and grasping assemblies, coupled with a drive mechanism, to automate the selection and precise repacking of articles into composite housings, minimizing manual labor and the need for complex actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual repacking is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but labor intensity and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows articles to be automatically selected and transferred without human intervention. The telescoping shuttles autonomously navigate between housing stations, grasp articles, and deliver them to the composite housing, eliminating the need for manual repacking while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical repacking operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of telescoping shuttles, grasping assemblies, and drive mechanisms. This substitution reduces labor intensity while maintaining the mechanical simplicity of the overall system through standardized components.
2Productivity
If complex robotic packing systems are used, then automation and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated packing system is divided into discrete, modular components: multiple independent telescoping shuttles, individual grasping assemblies, and separate drive mechanisms. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, achieving high automation without requiring a single complex robotic system with multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping shuttles serve multiple functions: they transport articles between stations, position articles for packing, and can be selectively activated based on packing requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized actuators for each task, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If telescoping shuttles are used to gather articles, then manual labor is reduced, but the system requires precise coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanisms for multiple telescoping shuttles are coordinated through a centralized control system that manages the gathering and spreading operations. By merging the control functions and using synchronized operation, the system reduces manual labor while the coordination complexity is managed through integrated control rather than multiple independent complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An article selection and packing system includes at least two article housing stations and a composite article housing station spaced from the at least two article housing stations. A boom extends over the at least two article housing stations and the composite article housing station. A selection and packing assembly extends between the at least two article housing stations and the composite article housing station. The selection and packing assembly includes at least two telescoping shuttles, the at least two telescoping shuttles are movably coupled along the boom. At least two grasping assemblies coupled with the at least two telescoping shuttles, respectively. The at least two grasping assemblies are each configured to withdraw one or more articles from the at least two article housing stations, respectively, and pack the withdrawn one or more articles together at the composite article housing station.