Variable Stroke Push Arm for Ergonomic Goods Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grouping goods on a packing table lead to production slowdowns and ergonomic issues due to the need for rapid manual handling of groups displaced into a second collecting zone, which can result in operator fatigue and safety risks, especially when the second zone is not fully occupied.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for variable displacement of groups into a second collecting zone, ensuring the oldest group is always positioned for easy access by the operator, with a movable push arm that adjusts its stroke based on the presence of subsequent groups, allowing for efficient use of storage space and ergonomic operation without the need for a protective housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If groups are displaced laterally out of the first collecting zone by a fixed amount, then the first collecting zone is emptied for forming new groups, but the operator must rapidly remove and pack the displaced groups within a short cycle time, leading to operator fatigue and production slowdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the displacement stroke variable rather than fixed. The push arm adjusts its displacement distance based on the number of groups already in the second collecting zone, dynamically optimizing the position of displaced groups to maintain ergonomic access while maximizing storage utilization and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic sensor detection and control. Sensors detect the presence of groups in the second collecting zone and automatically adjust the displacement stroke, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enabling the system to self-optimize its operation for sustained productivity
2Quantity of substance
If the second collecting zone is used to store multiple groups, then storage capacity is increased, but the operator may have difficulty accessing the oldest group for packaging, leading to ergonomic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the displacement stroke to ensure the oldest group is always positioned at an ergonomically optimal location. As more groups are stored in the second collecting zone, the push arm compensates by adjusting displacement distances, maintaining consistent access to the oldest group regardless of storage capacity utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the position and presence of groups in the second collecting zone. This feedback information is used by the control system to adjust the displacement stroke, ensuring the oldest group remains accessible while maximizing storage capacity
3Area of stationary object
If the displacement stroke is increased to maximize storage space utilization, then more groups can be stored in the second collecting zone, but the oldest group may be displaced too far from the operator, creating safety risks and ergonomic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves this contradiction by making the displacement stroke dynamic rather than fixed at maximum. The push arm adjusts its stroke length based on real-time conditions, increasing storage utilization while maintaining the oldest group within safe and ergonomic reach of the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the displacement stroke distance as a controllable parameter. The system optimizes this parameter to balance storage space utilization with operator safety and ergonomics, adjusting the stroke length based on the number of groups stored and their positions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses and methods for chronological grouping of individual goods, the groups which are formed being displaced one after another out of a first into a second collecting zone in such a way that an oldest group is always displaced as far as a target position which is defined in the second collecting zone.