Alternating Orientation Conveyance Device with Rotating Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyance devices for products like disposable underpants and diapers become complex when trying to alternately change the orientations of cut pieces to prevent thin or thick portions from overlaying, requiring intricate configurations with multiple cam grooves and pad orientations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance device with a simple configuration that includes first and second travel members with pads and pad rotating mechanisms, allowing the orientation of conveyed articles to be alternately changed by rotating pads about a radial shaft center, using a common guiding part and reducing the complexity of mechanisms needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyance devices use multiple cam grooves and complex pad orientations to alternately change the orientations of cut pieces, then the orientation changing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cam grooves into a single cam groove structure that guides both first and second travel members. This single cam groove is formed with specific curvature radii that enable both travel members to achieve alternating orientation changes simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of separate guiding components while maintaining the orientation changing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cam groove structure serves multiple functions: it guides the first travel member, guides the second travel member, and provides the mechanical action for alternating pad rotation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cam grooves for each travel member, directly addressing the contradiction between functionality and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional devices use intricate configurations with multiple cam grooves to prevent thin or thick portions from overlaying, then the stacking quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple cam groove structures into a single integrated cam groove with specifically designed curvature radii, the patent achieves the same stacking quality control with fewer components. This reduces manufacturing steps, lowers production costs, and simplifies quality control while maintaining the ability to prevent thin or thick portions from overlaying.
3Measurement precision
If conventional conveyance devices use multiple separate mechanisms for each travel member, then the control precision is maintained, but the device simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by using a single cam groove with different curvature radius sections. The first curvature radius section controls the first travel member while the second curvature radius section controls the second travel member, allowing precise control of each member through a unified structure rather than separate mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient and orderly transfer of cut pieces with alternately changed orientations using a straightforward design, maintaining orientation differences between pads, thus preventing overlay issues and simplifying the device configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a pad rotating mechanism which rotates the pad held by each travel member about a shaft center extending in a radial direction of the outer peripheral surface in association with movement of each travel member
Implementation Method 2
The shaft member... includes an engagement part engaging with the guiding part, and then revolves in association with movement of each of the travel members
Implementation Method 3
a pad P1, P2, ..., Pi, ..., Pn for vacuum-holding the web W
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a conveyance device and a conveyance method whereby the orientation of a conveyance article can be alternately changed and the conveyance article handed over, using a simple configuration. First and second travel members (60a, 60b) that hold pads (12p-12y) are arranged alternately and travel along the outer peripheral surface (90a) of a stationary drum (90) in conjunction with the rotation of a drive member (11). One or both of the first and second travel members (60a, 60b) have a rotatably supported shaft member having an engaging section that engages with a guide section formed in the outer peripheral surface (90a) of the stationary drum (90). The rotation of the shaft member is transmitted to the pads and the pads rotate. When conveyance articles are released from pads that have received conveyance articles having the same orientation, the orientation of conveyance articles released from first pads (12p, 12r, ... 12x) held by the first travel member (60a) is different from the orientation of the conveyance articles released from the second pads (12q, 12s, ... 12y) held by the second travel member (60b).