Adjustable Outfeed Channels for Flexible Product Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging lines are inflexible and costly, as they require multiple independent units and a large number of feed channels to accommodate different product formats and sizes, leading to high operational costs and product accumulation zones.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable and programmable outfeed and infeed channels, paired with motor-driven carriages and positioning means, allows for flexible distribution of products across multiple packaging lines, reducing the need for extensive channel arrangements and product accumulation spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent production units are used to accommodate different product formats, then adaptability to different packaging requirements is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single sorting device that can serve multiple production lines with different packaging requirements by making the outfeed channels adjustable. The channels can be reconfigured to accommodate different product formats, sizes, and packaging types (rolls, boxes, trays), eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sorting units while maintaining adaptability to various packaging line requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The outfeed channels are designed to be movable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The channels can be adjusted in position, number, and configuration to match different production line requirements, allowing the same sorting device to dynamically adapt to changing packaging needs without requiring additional equipment
2Productivity
If a large number of feed channels are arranged to serve multiple production lines, then productivity and flexibility are improved, but loss of space and accumulation zones increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning infeed channels at a first level and outfeed channels at a second level, creating a multi-level configuration. This dimensional approach allows multiple production lines to be served without requiring extensive horizontal space for accumulation zones, as products can be transferred between levels efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting device is divided into multiple independent, adjustable outfeed channels that can be individually configured. This segmentation allows each channel to serve specific production lines while sharing common infeed resources, reducing the total number of channels needed compared to having dedicated channels for each line
3Device complexity
If fixed number of feed channels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different pack sizes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The outfeed channels are designed with adjustable positions and configurations, allowing the number and arrangement of channels to be dynamically changed based on the required pack size and format. This dynamic capability enables the same device to handle different packaging scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration or additional equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Device for distributing products to feed lines, comprising: a plurality of outfeed channels (1) each configured for feeding a succession of products (2) along a first feed direction (D1); the plurality of outfeed channels (1) is positioned at a first level (H1); a plurality of infeed channels (3), configured to receive single or lines of products (2) and feed products (2), along a second feed direction (D3); the plurality of infeed channels (3) is positioned at a higher second level (H3), a plurality of pairs of carriages (4) defining corresponding housing pockets (5); a track (6) configured in the form of a closed, ring-shaped path to define a lower operating section (6a) and an upper operating section (6b) and on which move the plurality of pairs of carriages (4) along a direction (D6) transversal to the first (D1) and second (D3) feed directions; the track (6) is interposed between the plurality of outfeed channels (1) and the plurality of infeed channels (3) in such a way as to position along a lower operating section (6a), and in predetermined sequences, a first number of pairs of carriages (4) which can be faced towards corresponding outfeed channels (3) for picking up at least one corresponding product (2) and, along an upper operating section (6b), a second number of pairs of carriages (4) which can be faced towards the plurality of infeed channels (3) for releasing at least one corresponding product (2).