Automated Tire Stacking with Rick-Rack Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stacking tires on pallets are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly for achieving space-saving rick-rack or vertical patterns, as they lack automated solutions for optimal tire placement and stability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize geometrical data and digital models of tires to calculate and implement optimal stacking patterns, such as rick-rack or vertical patterns, using a handling device and gripping tools, ensuring stable and space-efficient storage without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual stacking is used to achieve space-saving patterns, then storage capacity is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stacking with an automated handling device that uses computer-calculated stacking patterns. The system substitutes human labor with automated machinery controlled by pre-calculated rick-rack and vertical patterns, achieving both high storage capacity and reduced time consumption through systematic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal stacking patterns (rick-rack and vertical patterns) using computer programs before the actual stacking process. These pre-calculated patterns optimize storage capacity and guide the automated handling device, eliminating the need for real-time decision-making during stacking and significantly reducing time consumption.
2Productivity
If automated handling devices are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital models as copies of actual tires to calculate stacking patterns. Instead of complex real-time sensing and adaptation, the system uses simplified digital representations that capture essential geometric properties, enabling fast computation of stacking patterns without requiring overly complex handling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using pre-calculated stacking patterns with specific geometric parameters (rick-rack angles, vertical arrangements) that optimize productivity. The handling device is designed to execute these predetermined parameter sets, balancing automation capability with manageable device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If rick-rack pattern is used for stacking, then storage density is improved, but stability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry through the rick-rack stacking pattern where tires are arranged at specific angles (typically 45 degrees) relative to each other, creating an interlocking asymmetric structure. This asymmetric arrangement allows higher storage density while the alternating pattern inherently provides stability through mutual support between adjacent tires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting in the rick-rack pattern where tires are positioned to nest within the spaces created by adjacent tires in alternating rows. This nested arrangement maximizes storage density while the interlocking nature of the nested structure enhances overall stack stability through distributed load bearing.
4Quantity of substance
If vertical pattern is used for stacking, then storage efficiency is improved, but additional support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal stacking to vertical stacking, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. By stacking tires upright on their treads rather than horizontally on their sides, the system achieves higher storage efficiency within the same footprint, with rods providing minimal support in the vertical arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for automatically stacking tires (4) on a support (1). According to the method, geometrical data of the tires (4) and/or a digital model of the tires (4) is provided, based on the geometrical data and/or the tire model and a predefinable size of the support (1), an algorithm calculates a stacking pattern for the tires (4) on the support (1) by taking into account a predefined size of the support, said stacking pattern making it possible to store the largest possible number of tires (4) in a stable manner on the support (1). Positional data of the tires (4) are adopted from the stacking pattern and associated trajectories of a handling device for stacking the tires (4) are generated and stored according to the stacking pattern. The stored positional data and trajectories are retrieved and transferred to the handling device, which receives the tires (4) at a given receiving position and puts the same on the support (1) in accordance with the positional data and associated trajectories. The present method and the associated device make it possible to automatically stack the tires with an optimal stacking pattern for the tires.