Vacuum Package Picking Unit for Ergonomic High-Shelf Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Logistics operators face increased risk of injury and occupational diseases due to repetitive and unbalanced movements required for picking up packages from high shelves using conventional mobile elevating platforms.
Innovation Solution
A mobile elevating platform integrated with a package picking unit featuring a suction cup connected to a vacuum pump, allowing packages to be picked up ergonomically without requiring significant body rotation or bending, using a handle to activate suction and transport packages safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually picks up packages from high shelves using conventional mobile elevating platforms, then the packages can be transported, but the operator is exposed to increased risk of injury and occupational diseases due to repetitive and unbalanced movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of picking packages with a vacuum-based suction system. The vacuum picking unit creates negative pressure to grasp packages, eliminating the need for operators to manually reach, grasp, and lift packages from high shelves, thereby reducing physical strain and injury risk while maintaining package transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum picking unit acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the packages. Instead of direct manual contact with packages requiring bending and rotation, the operator controls the vacuum unit which mediates the package grasping and lifting process, reducing the operator's physical exposure to hazardous movements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator reaches for packages positioned at the back of shelves or at height, then packages can be accessed, but the operator must rotate body and bend back, increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum picking unit with its extended reach and articulated positioning replaces the operator's body movements. The unit can be positioned close to packages on high or back shelves, and the vacuum mechanism grasps packages without requiring the operator to rotate or bend, eliminating the harmful mechanical stress on the operator's back and chest
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to package access by integrating the vacuum picking unit with the mobile elevating platform. This allows packages to be accessed at elevated heights without the operator needing to extend their reach horizontally through dangerous body rotations, solving the access problem while eliminating the associated injury risks
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 operator strain and injury risk by enabling packages to be picked up efficiently and ergonomically, even from misaligned positions, with reduced physical effort and improved safety.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump (107), connected to a package picking unit (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A package picking unit is described, which can be integrated in a mobile elevating platform. The package picking unit consists of a suction cup having a hole axially aligned with a stiff hose; said suction cup is connected through a joint to said stiff hose and ends with a handle including a button. A flexible hose, wound in a hose reel, is connected to the handle and connected to a vacuum pump. The button activates the pump and enables packages to be picked up, facilitating the work of an operator.