Adjustable Conveyor Curve Actuator for Piece Goods Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for diverting piece goods, such as bottles, from a conveyor route are complex, expensive, and inflexible, requiring multiple pneumatic devices and being unable to adapt to varying bottle diameters and transport speeds.
Innovation Solution
A device with position-controlled linear motors and adjustable actuator lengths, allowing for customizable conveyor curves and ejection paths, enabling efficient and adaptable ejection of piece goods without the need for multiple pneumatic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pneumatic devices are used to generate ejection curves, then the ejection function is achieved, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pneumatic devices that were previously used to generate ejection curves are merged into a single pneumatic device with an adjustable cam mechanism. The cam profile can be modified to create different ejection curves, eliminating the need for multiple fixed devices while maintaining the ejection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism in the pneumatic device is made adjustable, allowing the ejection curve to be dynamically modified. This enables a single device to perform the work of multiple fixed devices by changing the cam profile according to different ejection requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed pneumatic devices are used, then the ejection curve is consistent, but the adaptability to varying bottle diameters and transport speeds is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be adjustable, allowing the ejection curve to be dynamically modified. This enables the system to adapt to different bottle diameters and transport speeds while maintaining consistent ejection performance for each specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile parameters can be changed to adjust the ejection curve characteristics. By modifying the cam geometry, the system can optimize ejection for different bottle sizes and conveying speeds, providing versatility while maintaining consistency for each configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently designed pneumatic devices are provided, then various ejection curves can be generated, but the production complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple differently designed pneumatic devices are merged into a single device with an adjustable cam. The cam can be reconfigured to generate different ejection curves, providing the versatility of multiple devices while simplifying production and reducing error rates associated with assembling many components.
4Device complexity
If a single conveyor curve is used for all bottle types, then the device is simple, but the ejection optimization for varying boundary conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains simplicity through a single pneumatic mechanism but gains adaptability through the adjustable cam. The cam profile can be modified to optimize ejection for different bottle types and conveying conditions, providing optimization capability without increasing overall device complexity.
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
The solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and adaptable means to divert piece goods, optimizing ejection based on varying conditions like bottle diameter and transport speed, reducing errors and resource waste, while minimizing contact and vibration for smooth rejection.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one actuator (12, 14, 16) is or comprises a position-controlled linear motor
Implementation Method 2
which in its extended state acts upon the actuator segment (15) with a spring element (32)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (1) has two actuators (12, 14) i.e. linear motors, arranged behind each other in a region of a conveyor device (2) i.e. conveyor belt, in its conveyor direction (X) to combinely form a conveyor curve that is partially arranged above the conveyor device. The two actuators are movable into a conveyor configuration in which the actuators form actuator length, where the actuators form another actuator length in another conveyor configuration that is different from the former conveyor configuration. Both the actuator lengths of the actuators are adjustable. An independent claim is also included for a method for separation of packaged goods.