Automatic Dispenser Product Conveying with Counter-Rotating Worm Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spiral-type and conveyor belt conveying devices in automatic dispensers face issues with product loading space loss, product positioning, dimensional limitations, and inconsistent delivery of products due to shape and size variability, requiring frequent adaptations and potential product drop during delivery.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device utilizing counter-rotating worm screws and a thrusting element, actuated by a motor and controlled by sensors, to efficiently deliver products of varying shapes and sizes, with a removable thrusting element for easy loading and a slide element for smooth product discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spiral-type conveying devices are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but product loading space is lost and product positioning is inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device is divided into distinct functional segments: a supporting element for holding products, a thrusting element for pushing products, and counter-rotating worm screws for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the space-wasting spiral structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a spiral shape that inclines products, the invention uses a linear supporting element with counter-rotating worm screws that push products horizontally. The counter-rotation creates synchronous movement that eliminates the inclined positioning problem while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If spiral conveying devices are used, then manufacturing is simple, but dimensional limits are imposed on dispensable products
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate products of various sizes and shapes. The thrusting element with adjustable positioning and counter-rotating worm screws provides a versatile mechanism that can handle different product dimensions without requiring dimensional constraints inherent in spiral designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrusting element can be positioned at different locations along the supporting element, and the worm screws can be adjusted to accommodate varying product sizes. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device structure to handle diverse products without imposing dimensional limits.
3Speed
If conveyor belts are used, then products can be transported towards the outlet, but the thrust is insufficient for products with varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The thrusting element is positioned to make preliminary contact with the product on the supporting element before delivery. The counter-rotating worm screws generate sufficient thrust force in advance to push products of any shape or size reliably towards the outlet, ensuring consistent delivery without product drop.
4Device complexity
If fixed housing seats are used on conveyor belts, then structure is simple, but adaptability to different product types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The removable thrusting element can be periodically adjusted or replaced based on product type requirements. The counter-rotating worm screws provide periodic thrust cycles that adapt to different product characteristics, allowing the simple housing structure to handle a wide range of product types through periodic adjustment rather than fixed configuration.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective delivery of diverse products without space loss or positioning issues, compatible with existing dispensers, and ensures consistent product delivery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of worm screws 2, counter-rotating with synchronous movement, rotating connected to the supporting element 1 and to the thrusting element 3, to advance said thrusting element 3 along the guiding means 5
Implementation Method 2
a thrusting element 3 sliding connected on guiding means 5 to the supporting element 1
Implementation Method 3
a slide element 9, connected to the terminal end A of the supporting element 1, rotatable around a transverse axis to the longitudinal axis of the worm screws 2, in order to rotate by being inclined under the action of the weight of the product
Implementation Method 4
rotatable around a transverse axis... to rotate by being inclined under the action of the weight of the product
Data Source
AI summary
A product conveying device (10) for automatic dispensers is described, comprising a supporting element (1), configured to support the product being delivered, a thrusting element (3) sliding connected on guiding means (5) to the supporting element (1), at least one pair of worm screws (2), counter-rotating with synchronous movement, rotating connected to the supporting element (1) and to the thrusting element (3), to advance the thrusting element (3) along the guiding means (5) in order to thrust the product towards a terminal end (A) of the supporting element (1), to make it fall towards an outlet mouth from the automatic dispenser.