Alternating Pocket Conveyor Loading Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading stations for pocket conveyors with multiple conveying lines require significant space, increase complexity, and incur higher costs and maintenance due to the need for multiple filling devices and conveyor belts, complicating the loading process and requiring precise alignment of pocket pouches.
Innovation Solution
A loading station with a receiving section for objects and a moving unit that alternately loads pockets from two conveying lines using a common device setup, allowing simultaneous movement and operation to reduce space requirements and complexity, with devices designed to open pockets easily for loading without additional steps, and using a guide rod to align pockets for smooth introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple filling devices are used for multiple conveying lines, then each conveying line can be loaded independently, but the space requirements, device complexity, and maintenance costs increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filling operations into a single integrated filling station that serves multiple conveying lines. The filling station includes a receiving section for objects and multiple devices that can simultaneously or alternately load pockets from different conveying lines, eliminating the need for separate filling devices for each line.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling station is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple conveying lines with a single receiving section. The devices within the station can alternately serve different conveying lines, making the filling station multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated filling devices for each line.
2Ease of operation
If a filling device interrupts the conveying line to load pockets, then loading can be performed, but the conveying process is complicated and space is required for lateral movement of the conveying line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loading function from the conveying function. The filling station is a separate unit with devices that can be introduced to and removed from the conveying line without interrupting the overall conveying process. This allows loading to occur in a dedicated area while maintaining continuous flow in the conveying lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling station acts as an intermediary between the object supply and the conveying lines. Objects are received in the filling station's receiving section, and the devices transfer them to pockets on the conveying lines without requiring the conveying lines themselves to move laterally or interrupt their operation.
3Ease of operation
If the pocket pouch is removed from the upper frame for opening, then the pocket can be filled, but the pocket structure and alignment requirements become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket structure is designed to open automatically using its own weight and a guide mechanism. When the pocket is pulled from the hook and the frame is pulled against the guide, the area spanned by the frame rotates to a horizontal plane, exposing the opening area without requiring external manipulation or removal of the pocket pouch from the upper frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism utilizes gravity and the natural weight of the pocket pouch to achieve the opening motion. As the frame is pulled against the guide, gravity causes the frame area to rotate into a horizontal plane, creating an equipotential state where the pocket opens naturally without requiring additional actuators or precise alignment adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading station for a pocket conveyor having two conveying lines. The loading station has a receiving section for receiving pockets for each conveying line; a receiving section for objects, with which the pockets are to be loaded; and a device for each conveying line, into each of which an empty pocket to be filled can be introduced. In addition, the loading station has a moving unit for moving the devices from a receiving section for objects to one of the receiving sections for receiving pockets, and back again. The loading station is also designed to alternately load the pockets of the first conveying line and the pockets of the second conveying line.