Article Feed Insert With Clamped Profile Rails for Flexible Shelf Widths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article feed systems for automatic conveyance of products to shelf edges are inflexible and costly, requiring significant material and complex mounting processes, which hinders their economic production and efficient use.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of independently attachable profile rails for fixing conveying rollers on a roller carrier, allowing for adjustable width and length, simplified mounting without screws or cement, and using U-profiles with catch projections for secure clamping, reduces material usage and production costs while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an outer housing is used for fixing conveying rollers on the roller carrier, then the structure provides stable support, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is divided into two separate profile rails that can be independently attached to the roller carrier. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity while maintaining the structural support function, as each profile rail can be independently positioned and secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are integrated directly into the profile rails, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment of the conveying rollers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an outer housing is used for fixing conveying rollers, then structural support is provided, but material costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is segmented into two separate profile rails, reducing the total material required. The profile rails can be made from lighter materials such as aluminum extrusions, decreasing the overall weight and material costs while maintaining structural integrity through strategic positioning and clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile rails and fixing elements are designed as simple, easily replaceable components that can be manufactured at low cost. This approach allows for economical production and easy replacement if needed, reducing long-term material costs.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing methods with screws and cement are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The profile rails are designed with pre-formed clamping surfaces and integrated fixing elements that enable direct attachment without requiring pre-drilling, screwing, or cementing. The clamping mechanism is built into the profile rail structure, allowing for quick and easy assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are designed to self-secure onto the profile rails through positive contact and deformation mechanisms. The profile rails clamp onto the roller carrier and fixing elements automatically lock into position, eliminating the need for additional tools or complex assembly procedures while ensuring reliable attachment.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed dimensions are used for the article feed insert, then production is simplified, but the adaptability to different shelf configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The article feed insert is designed with adjustable components, including the profile rails that can be positioned at different locations on the roller carrier and the conveying rollers that can be adjusted along the profile rails. This dynamic design allows the same basic structure to accommodate various widths and lengths, adapting to different shelf configurations while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular structure with separate profile rails and fixing elements allows for easy customization of dimensions. The profile rails can be cut to different lengths and positioned at various intervals, enabling the same component set to create article feed inserts of different sizes to suit diverse retail shelving requirements.
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
This solution enables a more flexible, cost-effective, and lightweight article feed system with reduced material needs, simplified assembly, and improved stability, allowing for efficient conveyance of products to shelf edges without mechanical force, enhancing aesthetic and accessible product arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the first and/or second fixing element can be fixed on the profile rails by at least partial deformation of the profile rails
Implementation Method 2
the profile rails are made as a U-profile to hold the roller carrier in the U-profile by clamping
Implementation Method 3
The article is fed by virtue of the inclined position, therefore without mechanical or electrical force application/energy use, specifically solely by the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An article feed insert for an article feed system for automatic conveyance of articles located along the article feed insert in one conveyance direction B to a visual edge of a shelf equipped with the article feed system with the following features: a set of conveying rollers which are supported on the roller carrier transversely to the conveyance direction B, two profile rails which can be attached independently of one another to the opposite sides of the roller carrier for fixing of the conveying rollers on the roller carrier, a first fixing element which can be attached to one visible edges of the roller carrier for fixing the profile rails, and a second fixing element which can be attached opposite the first fixing element to the roller carrier for fixing the profile rails.