Tray Destacking via Inverted Suction Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray destacking systems face challenges in securely fixing and separating trays due to smooth surfaces, which can lead to damage and difficulty in handling, especially when dealing with different tray morphologies and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that invert stacked trays to allow suction cups to adhere to the rougher convex protuberances on the back side, using independent suction and positioning mechanisms, along with auxiliary elements like blowers and brushes, to enhance adhesion and separation, and dynamically reconfigure to accommodate various tray designs and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction cups are used to adhere to the smooth front side of trays, then tray separation can be achieved, but the adhesion is insufficient and trays may remain attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the trays so that the back side with convex protuberances faces upward, allowing suction cups to adhere to this rougher surface instead of the smooth front side. This inversion resolves the adhesion problem by utilizing the surface texture that naturally provides better grip for suction cups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the local quality difference between the smooth front side and the rough back side with convex protuberances. By positioning suction cups on the rougher back side, the system exploits the localized surface characteristics that provide superior adhesion properties for reliable tray separation.
2Productivity
If stronger forces are applied to separate stacked trays, then separation efficiency improves, but tray damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the trays to present the rough back side upward, the system enables stronger and more reliable suction adhesion. This allows for more forceful separation actions without tray damage, as the improved adhesion foundation provides better control during the separation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system is designed for specific tray morphologies, then handling precision improves, but adaptability to different tray designs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solution by designing the system to work with the common structural feature of trays having convex protuberances on the back side. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to handle various tray morphologies and sizes while maintaining precision, as the suction cups can consistently adhere to the characteristic rough back surface regardless of specific tray design variations.
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
Facilitates robust and efficient tray separation with stronger forces, preventing damage and adapting to diverse tray configurations, ensuring effective handling and separation even when trays are stuck together.
Implementation Method 1
Positioning the suction cups on one side of the upper tray of the stack; Sucking to fix the suction cups to the tray
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for destacking trays (1) for fruit based on the application of suction cups (41) on the back side of said trays (1), promoting their fixation and handling. The system has a lifting platform (3) that carries the stacks of trays (1) from receiving means to the separating means (4) in which the suction cups (41) are located. The suction cups (41) are controlled by independent positioning mechanisms (42) allowing free movement on the horizontal plane and therefore being able to adapt to different sizes and morphologies of trays (1).