Absorbent Article Conveyance Path Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for conveying absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, face challenges in precisely sorting these items between a main conveyance path and a branch path due to speed differences between the sorting member and the articles, leading to frictional resistance and inaccurate sorting.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device with a path switching mechanism that includes switchable conveyors and a controller to manage the conveyance path, allowing the absorbent articles to be sandwiched between circulating belts, reducing frictional resistance by synchronizing the speed of the belts with the articles and switching directions to guide them accurately between the main and branch paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sorting member rotates to intersect with the main conveyance path to guide absorbent articles to the branch conveyance path, then the sorting function is achieved, but a speed difference is created between the sorting member and the articles due to angular speed variation and repeated rotation/stop, causing frictional resistance and imprecise sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotating sorting member with a blowing mechanism that uses compressed air to guide absorbent articles onto the branch conveyance path. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact between the sorting member and articles, thereby removing the frictional resistance caused by speed differences while maintaining effective path switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a blowing mechanism using compressed air to propel absorbent articles from the main conveyance path to the branch conveyance path. This pneumatic approach allows for contactless sorting, avoiding the friction and speed synchronization issues inherent in mechanical rotating systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sorting member rotates and stops repeatedly according to sorting requirements, then the sorting operation is performed, but it becomes difficult to suddenly accelerate the sorting member from a stopped state to match the article speed, creating speed difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating sorting member with a blowing mechanism that uses compressed air to guide absorbent articles onto the branch conveyance path. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact between the sorting member and articles, thereby removing the frictional resistance caused by speed differences while maintaining effective path switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing mechanism is activated in advance to blow the absorbent article onto the branch conveyance path before the article reaches the sorting position. This preliminary action eliminates the need for sudden acceleration and deceleration, ensuring smooth and precise sorting operations
Data Source
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AI summary
It is aimed to provide a conveying device for absorbent articles capable of precisely sorting an absorbent article between a main conveyance path and a branch path and a conveyance method using the same. A path switching means (5) includes a belt conveying unit with a conveying belt (18) arranged along an annular path and configured to circulate along the annular path to be able to convey an absorbent article (A1) and a path switching mechanism configured to switch a conveyance path specified by the conveying belt (18) between a path along which the absorbent article (A1) is transferrable from an upstream conveying mechanism (2) to a downstream conveying mechanism (3) and a path along which the absorbent article (A1) is guided along a sampling path (R3) from the upstream conveying mechanism (2).