Adjustable Channel Tray With Movable Partitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular devices for automatically dispensing and ejecting products lack modularity and simplicity in layout adjustments, particularly in channel distribution and dimension modifications.
Innovation Solution
The device features adjustable intermediate partitions that can occupy active or retracted positions, with motorized means for individual control, enabling a variable number of channels of different widths, and includes detection means for signaling the partition positions to a distribution control unit, allowing for modular design and easy user modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed intermediate partitions are used to separate channels, then channel structure is stable and simple, but modularity and adaptability for layout adjustments are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate partitions are designed as movable rather than fixed, allowing them to shift between active separation positions and retracted positions. This dynamic capability enables the device to reconfigure channel layouts according to different dispensing needs, directly resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular trays with independently adjustable intermediate partitions. Each partition can be individually positioned to create channels of varying widths, allowing flexible configuration without redesigning the entire structure. This segmentation approach maintains simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate partitions are made movable for reconfiguration, then modularity and adaptability are improved, but detection and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Detection means are integrated into the device to monitor the positions of movable intermediate partitions. These detection systems provide feedback signals to the control unit, enabling automatic adjustment and verification of channel configurations. This feedback mechanism simplifies the complexity of position detection by providing real-time information for automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed channel widths are used, then manufacturing and implementation are simpler, but versatility for different product distributions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel widths are made dynamically adjustable through movable intermediate partitions rather than being fixed during manufacturing. This allows the same device to be manufactured with standard components while providing post-manufacturing flexibility for different product distribution requirements, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a device (10) for automatically dispensing and ejecting products (B), which comprises at least one tray (P) having a series of channels (C), which are separated by a partition (34), stop means (40) and a series of controlled ejection means, characterized in that each partition is a separation plate (34) which can occupy an active separation position and a retracted position so as to constitute a modular device (10) having an adjustable number of channels (C) of different transverse widths, and in that the device (10) comprises means which are able to supply signals representative of the presence of each separation plate (34) in the active position, these signals being able to be processed by a dispensing control unit associated with the device.