Transfer System Angled Partition for Space-Saving Door Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional safety fences in transfer systems occupy excessive space, making it difficult to reduce the overall installation space for the system.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system with a partition part that includes a first portion opposite to the transferring part and a second portion inclined at an obtuse angle, providing an entry-and-egress door, which separates the work area from the outside area, allowing for space-saving arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional safety fence with a door opposite to the transfer device is used, then the work area is separated from the outside area, but the installation space is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework area separationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition part is designed with asymmetric geometry where the first portion extends in the first direction and the second portion extends in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. This asymmetric arrangement allows the door to be positioned at an angle rather than directly opposite the transfer device, reducing the overall space required for the safety fence while maintaining effective work area separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The partition part transitions from a conventional linear arrangement to a multi-directional configuration by introducing the second portion that extends in a different direction. This dimensional change in the partition structure enables more efficient space utilization by angling the door position rather than requiring a direct opposite arrangement, thereby reducing installation space while preserving safety separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the door is disposed opposite to the transfer device, then entry and egress is convenient, but the installation space cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The door is positioned at an angled orientation rather than directly opposite the transfer device, creating an asymmetric access configuration. This asymmetric door placement maintains ease of entry and egress by providing adequate access pathways while simultaneously reducing the overall footprint and installation space requirements of the safety fence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The door arrangement transitions from a one-dimensional opposite positioning to a multi-directional configuration where the door extends at an angle. This dimensional change in door placement allows workers to access the work area efficiently while minimizing the space occupied by the safety fence structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4600178A1Transfer system, transfer facility, and partition material
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 DAIFUKU CO LTD
  • EP4600178A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4600178A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4600178A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transfer system (1) includes a partition part (24) which separates (i) a work area (25) positioned opposite to a transporting part (11) across a transferring part (12) in a plan view and (ii) an outside area from each other. The partition part (24) includes a first portion (24a) provided so as to be opposite to the transferring part (12) across the work area (25) and a second portion (24b) provided so as to be inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion (24a) as seen from the work area (25) in a plan view, the second portion (24b) being provided with an entry-and-egress door for the work area (25).