Adjustable Inclined Denester Magazine for Tray Destacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing denesters for packaging machines are limited by the number and weight of trays they can handle, leading to frequent refilling and variable contact loads during the destacking process, which can cause deformation and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A denester with an adjustable second guide inclined relative to a first vertical guide, featuring a third curved guide and adjustable spring elements to maintain a constant contact load, allowing for increased tray capacity and reliability through automatic inclination adjustment based on tray characteristics and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the magazine accommodates a larger stack of trays to increase capacity, then the contact load on the destacking screw becomes excessively high, but this limits the number of trays that can be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magazine inclination adjustable during operation. The inclination angle can be automatically changed based on the weight and characteristics of the tray stack, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the distribution of contact forces on the destacking screw while maintaining the ability to handle larger tray quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the inclination angle of the magazine as a key parameter. By changing this geometric parameter based on tray stack characteristics, the system optimizes the mechanical advantage and force distribution, enabling handling of larger tray quantities without excessive contact loads on the destacking screw.
2Reliability
If the contact load varies during the destacking process, then the tray flange may deform, but maintaining constant contact load requires complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through automatic inclination adjustment mechanisms that respond to the weight and characteristics of the tray stack. The system self-regulates the magazine angle based on the load conditions, maintaining optimal contact force distribution without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the weight and characteristics of the tray stack, then automatically adjusting the magazine inclination angle in response. This closed-loop feedback system maintains constant contact load on the tray flange during destacking, preventing deformation while managing system complexity through automated control.
3Force
If the magazine is refilled frequently to maintain optimal contact load, then the contact load remains manageable, but this reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the magazine inclination to adjust automatically as trays are removed from the stack. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal contact load conditions throughout the entire destacking process, even as the stack weight decreases, thereby eliminating the need for frequent manual refilling operations and improving productivity.
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 significantly increases tray capacity, maintains a constant contact load, and enhances the reliability of the destacking process by adapting to different tray sizes and weights, reducing the need for frequent refilling and minimizing deformation risks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element is provided as a connection between the second guide and a frame of the denester, so as to automatically adapt the inclination depending on the weight of the stack
Implementation Method 2
The spring element can be a gas compression spring having an approximately constant pressure force over the spring travel
Implementation Method 3
for optimizing the movement of the trays or stack of trays along the transition, e.g. with respect to the friction of the tray flanges on the inner surfaces of the guide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to denester for use with a tray sealer. The denester includes a magazine for accommodating at least one stack of trays. The magazine includes a first vertical guide and a second guide, the second guide capable of being inclined at an inclination relative to the first guide. The inclination of the second guide is adjustable to accommodate destacking of the trays in the stack of trays.