Acute Feed Plane Blank Loading Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading devices for processing units in automated packaging systems pose safety risks and incur high costs due to the need for manual handling of blanks via steep access platforms and difficulty in removing or replacing blanks of different sizes or types.
Innovation Solution
A device with a feed plane forming an acute angle with the horizontal, equipped with a feed unit and a control unit that allows for controlled loading and unloading of blanks via a transfer point, eliminating the need for steep access platforms and enabling easy replacement of blanks by allowing them to be loaded or unloaded at a normal working height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feed plane is arranged steeply to enable automatic blank movement via gravity, then blank transport is achieved, but operating personnel must use access stairs and platforms which creates safety risks and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional steep feed plane arrangement by using a gently sloping feed plane. Instead of relying on gravity to pull blanks upward, the system uses a conveyor belt that moves blanks from the lower feed plane level up to the transfer point, eliminating the need for steep access stairs and platforms while maintaining automatic blank transport.
2Ease of operation
If the feed plane is arranged steeply to enable automatic blank movement, then blank transport is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to access platforms and stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates access platforms and stairs by inverting the feed plane slope. The gently sloping feed plane allows blanks to be fed from below without requiring operating personnel to climb steep structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automatic transport capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operating personnel manually remove old blanks from the feed level, then blank replacement is possible, but the process is difficult and time-consuming especially when blanks of different sizes are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service blank removal where the conveyor belt automatically transports excess blanks from the feed plane back to the feed level. This eliminates the need for operating personnel to manually remove blanks, significantly reducing the time and effort required for blank replacement while maintaining adaptability for different blank sizes.
4Productivity
If a steep feed plane is used for automatic blank feeding, then feeding efficiency is improved, but the magazine capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the feed plane slope to create a gently sloping surface that allows blanks to be fed from below. This arrangement increases the magazine capacity by allowing blanks to be stored at lower levels and fed upward through the conveyor system, while maintaining feeding efficiency through automated conveyor transport rather than gravity-dependent steep slopes.
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
Simplifies and quickens the feeding process, increases magazine capacity, eliminates dangerous stair climbing, and allows for seamless changeovers without the need for additional access structures, enhancing safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The feed plane 10 falls in the direction of the transfer point 6, so that the blanks 3 are moved in the direction of the transfer point 6 by the force of gravity acting on them.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device comprises cuts (3), which have an interchange point (6). The cuts are transportable along a supply level (10). The supply level forms a pointed angle (Beta) with a horizontal running level (16). The supply level rises to the interchange point. A control unit (15) is provided, which is work-connected with a feed unit (7).