Integrated Article Movement Mechanism for Cleanable Transmission Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movement systems for industrial applications, such as automatic bottle filling and capping machines, are complex, difficult to clean and maintain, and prone to contamination due to multiple transmission mechanisms and seals, which obstruct access and increase the risk of leaks.

Innovation Solution

A compact movement system with integrated transmission mechanisms within a main lever, utilizing a first and second engagement member with coordinated motion laws, and a simplified design that minimizes mechanical components and seals, allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission mechanisms are used to control first and second members, then the movement system can achieve complex motion control, but the system becomes highly complex and difficult to clean and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the first and second transmission mechanisms into a single integrated transmission mechanism that controls both the first member (comb-like member) and the second member (keeping member). This merging reduces the number of separate transmission mechanisms from two to one, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining the ability to control both members for moving and sorting articles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single transmission mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both the first member for sorting/displacing articles and the second member for keeping articles in the delivery station. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate transmission mechanisms for each member, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile motion control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple seals are used for grease or oil in transmission mechanisms, then the transmission mechanisms can operate smoothly, but the risk of leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission mechanism operationVSAvoidleak risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple seals by using a single integrated transmission mechanism with a simplified lubrication system. Instead of having separate seals for each transmission mechanism, the design uses a single seal location, reducing the number of potential leak points while maintaining smooth operation of the transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the first and second transmission mechanisms are disengaged from each other, then each mechanism can be independently controlled, but access for cleaning and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent controlVSAvoidaccess for cleaning and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first and second transmission mechanisms into a single integrated mechanism, which improves accessibility for cleaning and maintenance. The unified structure allows maintenance personnel to access and service the transmission mechanism more easily compared to having two separate disengaged mechanisms, while still maintaining independent control capability through the coordinated action of the first and second members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4703301A1An article movement system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 GD SPA
  • EP4703301A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703301A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703301A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A movement system for moving articles (100) comprises a first engagement member (2) configured to engage said articles (100) and movable with a first law of motion; a first motor (6) and a second motor (7) for actuating said first engagement member (2); a first transmission mechanism (12) between said first motor (6) and said first engagement member (2); a second transmission mechanism (13) between said second motor (7) and said first engagement member (2); the second transmission mechanism (13) comprises at least one main lever (14) having a box-like body (15) and a closing cover (16) for the box-like body (15), and the first transmission mechanism (12) is at least partially housed in the box-like body (15) and movable with the main lever (14).