Adjustable Pasta Package Retaining Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling apparatuses for packaging machines, particularly in the food industry, face challenges in ensuring stable positioning of packages and adapting to different types of packages due to complex cam mechanisms that increase volume, complicate maintenance, and hinder quick adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A handling apparatus with adjustable retaining elements featuring a first chain for moving retaining elements along a closed path and a second chain for simultaneously controlling the width of the housings, using brushless motors and a compact design that allows easy maintenance and quick adaptation to packages of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cam mechanisms are used to vary housing width, then package positioning stability is improved, but device volume increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the width adjustment function from complex cam mechanisms and implements it through simple linear motors that directly actuate the mobile side walls. This separation of functions (transport via first chain, width adjustment via linear motors) eliminates the need for integrated cam mechanisms while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cam mechanisms with electric linear motors. The linear motors provide precise control of the mobile side walls through electromagnetic force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing both device volume and maintenance requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cam mechanisms are used to adjust housing width, then package positioning is stabilized, but adaptation time to different packages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of housing width through linear motors that can quickly move the mobile side walls between positions. This dynamic system allows rapid reconfiguration for different package sizes without the delays associated with mechanical cam mechanisms, enabling quick adaptation while maintaining stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mobile side walls are added to retain packages, then package stability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retaining element into distinct components: a fixed support element and a mobile side wall. This segmentation allows the mobile side wall to be independently actuated by linear motors, providing package stability only when needed while maintaining a compact form factor when adjustment is not required.
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 ensures stable positioning of packages, allows for quick adaptation to different package sizes, maintains a compact apparatus design, and simplifies maintenance by integrating the movement control mechanisms within the existing support elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first brushless motor (23) moving a first drive crown (21)
Implementation Method 2
a second brushless motor (33) moving a second drive crown (31)
Implementation Method 3
the mobile side wall (14) being slidably fixed to the support element (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
There is described a handling apparatus (1) for a succession of packages of pasta, granular products and the like, for a packaging machine, comprising a bearing frame (100) which supports at least a first chain (2), and a plurality of retaining elements (9) removably fixed to the first chain (2). Each retaining element (9) comprises a housing (10) suitable for housing a single package, and a support element (13) suitable for connecting the housing (10) to the first chain (2). The housing (10) has a substantially "C"-shaped section and is formed by a rear wall (11), a fixed side wall (12) and a mobile side wall (14). The handling apparatus (1) also comprises at least a second chain (3) suitable for simultaneously defining the width of the housings (10) of all the retaining elements (9).