Transfer Beam Barrel Handling Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manufacturing processes, particularly in the cooperage industry, face inefficiencies and errors due to material inconsistencies in wooden barrels, leading to reliance on manual labor and potential damage to the barrels during handling and processing.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and process utilizing a transfer beam with article supports that reciprocally moves along horizontal and vertical axes to convey and handle articles, such as barrels, between different stations, enabling efficient and controlled handling and processing while minimizing manual labor and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual labor and oversight are used to handle wooden barrels, then the process can accommodate material inconsistencies and structural variations, but manufacturing efficiency decreases and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate material inconsistenciesVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors and detection devices that automatically identify and adapt to barrel characteristics without human intervention. The control system self-adjusts processing parameters based on detected material variations, eliminating the need for manual oversight while maintaining adaptability to inconsistencies in wood dimensions and grain patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If conventional handling machinery is used to process wooden barrels, then processing speed may be increased, but the barrels may be damaged or destroyed due to material inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidbarrel damage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handling machinery features dynamically adjustable parameters including variable speed control, adjustable gripping forces, and movable support positions. The system continuously adapts its mechanical actions based on real-time detection of barrel characteristics, allowing high-speed processing while preventing damage through automated adjustments that accommodate natural variations in wood structure and dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual oversight is employed to monitor barrel processing, then errors can be detected and corrected, but labor costs increase and manufacturing remains inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection and correctionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors, detectors, and control systems that continuously monitor barrel processing parameters and provide real-time feedback. The control system automatically detects deviations from acceptable ranges and adjusts processing parameters or rejects defective barrels without human intervention, maintaining high reliability while eliminating the productivity loss associated with manual oversight and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9919448B2Article handling and manufacturing

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 BOHNERT EQUIP COMPANY

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and process for handling and/or manufacturing articles. At least one article support configured to support an article is coupled to a transfer beam configured to reciprocally move along a first axis. The reciprocal movement of the transfer beam moves the at least one article support between two stations, such that an article supported by the article support may be conveyed between the two stations.