Adjustable Conveyor Width for Packaging Machine Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in optimally routing the transport route after initial operation, particularly when product changes occur, due to the need for adjusting side and curved guides, which is time-consuming and often not fully adaptable to the products, containers, or packaging units.
Innovation Solution
The packaging machine features a variably adjustable conveyor device and lateral guide elements with rigid and flexible regions, allowing for adjustments in width and curvature of the transport route, enabling optimal adaptation to product sizes and shapes, even after initial operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transport route is designed with fixed lateral guides and curved guides during the planning phase, then the initial routing is determined, but the ability to adapt to product changes after commissioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the curved guide sections adjustable after commissioning. The curved guides can be modified in their arc shape and positioning to adapt to different product sizes and shapes, transforming a static routing system into a dynamic one that responds to changing production requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport route is segmented into straight sections and curved sections that can be independently adjusted. The curved guides are separated as distinct adjustable components, allowing modifications to be made locally without affecting the entire transport system, thus enabling adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lateral guides and curved guides are adjusted manually after commissioning to accommodate product changes, then adaptability is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-adjustable curved guide sections that can be configured for different product types. The guides are designed with adjustment mechanisms that allow quick reconfiguration without requiring time-consuming manual realignment, enabling faster adaptation to product changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the transport route uses fixed curved guides designed for specific products, then the initial routing is optimized, but optimal adaptation to different product sizes and shapes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The curved guides are designed as dynamic, adjustable components rather than fixed structures. They can be repositioned and reconfigured to create optimal routing paths for different product sizes and shapes, maintaining manufacturing precision across various product types while achieving versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging machine for packaging and/or processing objects, comprising a transport section (1) for conveying products, containers, and/or packaging units in a transport direction (2), wherein the transport section (1) includes a conveying device (3), in particular in the form of a conveyor belt with preferably at least one drive means. According to the invention, it is particularly provided that, especially for the routing of the transport section (1), the effective width of the conveying device (3), viewed perpendicular to the transport direction (2) and used for conveying the products, containers, and/or packaging units, is preferably variably adjustable, at least in certain areas or sections.