Tilt-Driven Pallet Load Separation Machine for Safer Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual separation of loads supported by pallets is labor-intensive, costly, and poses risks to operators and packages due to potential injuries and damage.
Innovation Solution
A motorized or partially gravitational machine with a base element, slide wall, and tilt actuator that rotates and tilts to separate pallet loads, using rolling elements and optional stop members to manage load distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual separation of pallet loads is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The machine divides the load separation task into distinct functional segments: the tilt actuator handles load redistribution, the slide wall manages lateral movement, and the rotation member controls rotational motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs dynamic elements including a tilt actuator that can adjust the housing element's angle, a slide wall that moves laterally, and a rotation member that rotates about a vertical axis. These dynamic components enable flexible adaptation to different load configurations and separation requirements, maintaining operational flexibility while automating the process.
2Reliability
If manual handling of packages is used, then equipment investment is minimized, but operator safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine enables self-service operation where the load essentially separates itself under controlled conditions. The tilt actuator redistributes the load automatically, the slide wall facilitates lateral movement, and the rotation member controls the separation rotation. This minimizes human intervention to monitoring and control functions only, significantly improving safety while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Productivity
If motorized drive is implemented, then separation efficiency increases, but energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine applies motorized power selectively rather than continuously. The tilt actuator, slide wall, and rotation member are activated only during specific phases of the separation process when needed, rather than operating continuously. This partial action approach maintains high productivity during active separation while minimizing overall energy consumption during idle or gravity-assisted phases.
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
Reduces labor costs and minimizes risks by automating the separation process, ensuring safe and reliable handling of pallet loads.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt actuator (15) interconnected between the base element (3) and housing element (5) and assigned to rotate the housing element (5) around the pivot pin (14) between a first extreme condition wherein at least the slide wall member (9) is vertical and a second extreme condition wherein the housing member (5) is rotated by an angle of approximately 90° or by an angle greater than 90° with respect to the first extreme condition
Implementation Method 2
a slide wall member (9) provided with a set of rolling elements (10), comprising at least one between rollers, wheels, discs, belts and the like, with respective rotation axes perpendicular to the sliding direction and parallel to the pivot pin (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for separating a load (C) made up of several superimposed layers of packages (B) and supported by a pallet (P), includes: a base element (3) connected to a housing element (5) that also includes a base member (7) that meets the face of the pallet opposite to the load; a slide wall member (9) in sliding contact with a face of the load, a side wall member (11), and a compacting plane member (13) slidably operated along the side wall member towards and away from the base member. A tilt actuator (15) interconnected between the base element and the housing element is assigned to rotate the housing element around a pivot pin (14) between a first extreme condition wherein the slide wall member is vertical and a second extreme condition wherein the housing member is rotated by an angle of approximately 90° or greater.