Angled Pusher Divides Object Flows Without Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dividing a stream of objects, such as beverage containers, into two or more streams often result in undesired deformations, especially with flexible objects like foil bags, due to high throughput rates and the need for rapid object displacement.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a slide that can be moved at an angle of less than 90° to the conveying direction, allowing for a slower and more gentle pushing of objects by moving with the conveying direction, enabling slower and more controlled object displacement, and using multiple pushers on a belt or chain to manage high throughput rates while preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If objects are pushed out rapidly to the side to achieve high throughput rates, then productivity increases, but object deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher moves at an angle of less than 90° to the conveying direction, creating a dynamic pushing motion that combines lateral displacement with forward movement. This dynamic approach allows the pusher to gently guide objects sideways while maintaining contact with the conveying surface, preventing deformation even at high throughput rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pushing angle parameter from the conventional 90° to less than 90° (specifically 15°-25°). This parameter modification transforms the pushing action from a sudden lateral impulse to a gradual guided displacement, resolving the contradiction between fast throughput and object integrity
2Loss of time
If the pusher moves perpendicular to the conveying direction to quickly divert objects, then the pushing time is reduced, but the object is subjected to high lateral force causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher follows an angled path rather than moving purely laterally, creating a dynamic pushing trajectory that extends the pushing duration while reducing peak lateral force. The angled motion allows gradual force application that guides objects smoothly into the second stream without sudden lateral impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a forward movement component to the lateral pushing action by moving at an angle less than 90°. This dimensional change in the pushing vector distributes the force over both lateral and forward directions, reducing the lateral force component while maintaining effective object diversion
Data Source
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AI summary
The assembly (1) to divide a flow of objects, e.g. film bags (2), into two or more flow paths has a conveyor (6) to carry them along a movement line (8). At least one push unit (4a-4c) displaces selected items (2'-2'") across the conveyor towards a second conveyor, with a movement angle (alpha ) of = 90[deg] to the conveyor movement line. The push units are tensed by spring elements.