Article Transfer System With Retractable Carrier And Movable Pusher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transfer systems, particularly those using trays, face challenges in securely and efficiently transferring articles of irregular or unstable shapes, such as those with soft bottoms, due to mechanical complications and risk of damage during transfer.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system comprising a first conveyor to transport a tray to a transfer zone, a second conveyor to receive the article, a movable third conveyor that transitions between high and low positions to evacuate the tray while carrying the article with a retractable carrying means, and a mobile pusher to safely transfer the article to the second conveyor, ensuring secure handling of irregularly shaped items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a scraper is used to push packages on a tray towards a transport support, then packages can be transferred, but the system becomes mechanically complex and package safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pushing function from a complex scraper mechanism and implements it through a simple inclined plane structure. The tray's inclined surface itself performs the pushing action, eliminating the need for additional mechanical pushing components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining package transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate inclined plane structure as a mediator between the tray and the transport support. This inclined plane serves as a gentle transition zone that allows packages to move from the tray to the support without direct mechanical contact from complex pushing mechanisms, thereby protecting packages while enabling transfer.
2Productivity
If packages are pushed through perforated trays into an extraction position, then transfer is enabled, but irregularly shaped and unstable packages cannot be safely transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing a gentle inclined plane transition zone before the extraction position. This inclined plane allows unstable packages to settle and stabilize gradually during the transfer process, preventing sudden movements or damage that would occur with direct pushing through perforated trays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transfer parameter from direct horizontal pushing to gradual inclined descent. By altering the transfer angle and velocity profile through the inclined plane, unstable packages can be transferred safely as their center of gravity shifts gradually rather than being abruptly pushed, maintaining both transfer efficiency and package safety.
3Productivity
If bubble wrap envelopes are transferred using conventional pusher systems, then transfer occurs, but bubble wrap can become trapped causing damage or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing a rounded inclined plane surface instead of a sharp-edged pusher. This curved surface allows bubble wrap envelopes to glide smoothly during transfer, preventing the wrap from becoming trapped or pinched between rigid surfaces, thereby eliminating damage and jamming risks while maintaining transfer operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an article transfer system (1) comprising: o a first conveyor (2) arranged to transport a tray (3) carrying an article (4) in a first direction, o a transfer zone (5) in which the article (4) is separated from the tray (3), o a second conveyor (6) arranged to receive the article (4) and transport it in a third direction, the transfer zone (5) comprising: - A third conveyor (51), movable between a high position substantially at the level of said portion (61) of the second conveyor (6) and a low position for evacuating the empty tray (3), - A retractable carrier means (521) configured to be inserted between the tray (3) and the article (4), - A pusher (522) movable in the second direction and configured to push the article (4) carried by the carrier means (52) towards the portion (61) of the second conveyor (6).