Adjustable Lid Conveyor Chains for Fast Multi-Format Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid displacement systems in manufacturing processes are laborious and inefficient for handling lids of different sizes and shapes, leading to long downtimes and increased costs due to the need for manual format changes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable system with a drive mechanism and transverse adjustment mechanisms for gearwheels and guides, allowing for variable separation distances to accommodate lids of varying sizes and shapes, facilitating efficient and automated format changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual format change systems are used for lid displacement, then the system structure is simple, but the execution time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gearwheels adjustable in their separation distance. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the distance between gearwheels can be modified to accommodate different lid formats. This is achieved through adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the gearwheels to be repositioned along the chains, enabling quick adaptation to various lid sizes and shapes without complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the separation distance between gearwheels to be varied. This parameter adjustment enables the system to handle different lid formats efficiently. The gearwheels can be positioned at different distances from each other based on the specific lid dimensions, thus optimizing the displacement process for each format while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed separation distance between gearwheels is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different lid formats is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustability where the separation distance between gearwheels can be modified based on the lid format requirements. The gearwheels are mounted on adjustable supports that allow them to be repositioned along the chain path, enabling the same system to accommodate various lid sizes and shapes without requiring multiple dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single displacement system that can handle multiple lid formats through adjustable gearwheel positioning. The chains and gearwheels serve multiple functions by being reconfigurable, allowing the same mechanical components to adapt to different production requirements, thus eliminating the need for separate systems for each lid format.
3Loss of time
If manual adjustment of gearwheel positions is used, then the device structure is simple, but the downtime during format change is long
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of gearwheel positions during operation. The adjustable mounting mechanisms allow operators to quickly modify the separation distance between gearwheels to match different lid formats, significantly reducing the downtime associated with format changes while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the gearwheels on adjustable supports that allow for quick reconfiguration. The adjustment mechanisms are designed to enable operators to rapidly change the gearwheel separation distance to the required position for the next lid format, minimizing idle time between production runs.
4Ease of manufacture
If chains with fixed gearwheel separation are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the installation costs and downtime for format changes are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable mounting mechanisms for the gearwheels on the chains. This allows the separation distance to be modified without replacing entire chain assemblies, thereby reducing installation costs and downtime for format changes while maintaining a relatively simple chain and gearwheel system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses preliminary action by pre-configuring the chains with adjustable gearwheel mounts that can be quickly repositioned. This preliminary design feature enables rapid format changes without requiring costly reinstallation or complex reconfiguration procedures, thus lowering both installation costs and downtime.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an adjustable system for displacing multi-format lids (4), comprising a drive mechanism which in turn comprises an upper rotation system with two upper gearwheels (5a, 5b), parallel and separated by a length, in a first transverse direction, a lower rotation system with two lower gearwheels (6a, 6b); also parallel and separated by a length, in the same first transverse direction; a first chain (1a) geared to a first upper gearwheel (5a) and to a first lower gearwheel (6a); a second chain (1b) geared to a second upper gearwheel (5b) and to a second lower gearwheel (6b) and a chassis (10) on which the rotation systems are mounted. The first chain (1a) and the second chain (1b) transmit the rotation between the gearwheels (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b). The first chain (1a) and the second chain (1b) comprise lid fastening means (4) for holding the lids (4) during the displacement thereof. The adjustable system also comprises a first transverse adjustment mechanism configured to modify the separation length between the first gearwheels (5a, 6a) and the second gearwheels (5b, 6b), as well as between the first chain (1a) and the second chain (1b), within a range comprising a first end having a greater length and a second end having a shorter length.