Adjustable Spacing Star Wheel for Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacing star wheels require complex conversions and long downtimes to adjust spacing distances for different container formats, leading to inflexibility and high acquisition costs, as they need separate curve guides or actuation of each transport element for varying operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A spacing star wheel with adjustable curve guide segments that change the spacing distance by activating or deactivating curve guide segments, allowing for quick and simple format changes without requiring large machine configurations or complex conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spacing star wheel is configured for a specific spacing distance, then it ensures proper container spacing for that operating mode, but it requires complex conversions and long downtimes to adapt to different operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The curve guide is divided into multiple curve guide segments that can be independently activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the spacing star wheel to adjust its spacing characteristics by selectively engaging different segments, enabling adaptation to various operating modes without complete reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The curve guide segments are designed to be dynamically adjustable between active and inactive states. This dynamic capability allows the spacing star wheel to change its spacing profile on-demand, transitioning between different operating modes quickly and efficiently without lengthy conversion periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate curve guides are used for different operating modes, then spacing distance can be adjusted, but acquisition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple curve guide segments are merged into a single integrated curve guide structure. This unified structure contains all necessary segments for different operating modes within one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate curve guides and reducing acquisition costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single curve guide is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating multiple segments that can serve different spacing requirements. This universal design allows one curve guide to perform the functions that would otherwise require multiple separate curve guides, reducing overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is configured to accommodate all operating modes, then flexibility is improved, but the machine size becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing star wheel employs dynamic adjustment of curve guide segments to accommodate different operating modes. This dynamic approach allows the same machine footprint to serve multiple operating modes by reconfiguring the active segments, eliminating the need for oversized static infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by activating or deactivating specific curve guide segments rather than changing physical machine dimensions. This parameter-based adaptation allows flexible operation across different modes within a compact, fixed machine footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spacing star wheel for transporting and transferring containers, comprising a plurality of gripping elements for gripping one container each and a curve guide, where the spacing star wheel is configured such that, during operation, the gripping elements, guided by the curve guide, revolve around the axis of rotation of the spacing star wheel along a curved path. By activating at least one curve guide segment, the shape of the curve guide can be adjusted such that the spacing distance between two adjacent gripping elements in the region of the curve guide segment changes.