Bar Changing Carriage for Packaging Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer devices for packaging units, such as sausages, face interruptions and inefficiencies in changing bars and positioning packaging units for further processing, particularly in transitioning from a blade to a rod for smoking.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with a bar changing carriage that allows quick and uninterrupted operation by swapping bars of any format, combined with a conveyor system and controllable gripping means to position packaging units on a smoke stick, enabling efficient transfer and loading of sausages onto smoking rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a bar changing carriage is implemented to enable quick bar changes, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is divided into functionally independent modules: a bar changing carriage for bar replacement, a conveyor system for bar transport, and a positioning system for packaging units. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing bar changes without stopping the entire system and enabling parallel operations that maintain productivity while managing complexity through functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transfer device is designed to handle bars of any format or cross-section, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebar format compatibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bar changing carriage and conveyor system are designed with universal interfaces and adjustable parameters that accommodate bars of various formats and cross-sections. The carriage structure includes adaptable clamping and positioning mechanisms that can secure different bar types without requiring dedicated fixtures for each format, achieving multi-functionality while controlling complexity through standardized universal components.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If gripping means are used to position packaging units at selectable positions, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging unit positioningVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system incorporates detection means that monitor the location and status of packaging units on the bar. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to adjust gripping force, timing, and position of the gripping means to achieve precise placement at selectable positions. The feedback loop compensates for variations and maintains positioning precision while managing control complexity through automated closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 continuous operation with rapid bar changes and precise positioning of packaging units on smoking sticks, optimizing the preparation of sausages for further processing without interruptions, even with varying bar formats and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

the carriage part carrying away the loaded bars performs a lowering movement during the carriage return movement to the starting position, with which the carriage can return under the empty bar to the starting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the rod magazine is preferably designed to accommodate several rods that come to lie vertically above the carriage, of which the lowest rod reaches the carriage as a function of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP1891858B1Bar changing device in a transfer device for hanging packaging units
Publication Date: 2013.12.25 TIPPER TIE ALPINA
  • EP1891858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1891858B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1891858B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bar exchange device (60) has a bar (4) with receiving/take-up device (7) held in a loading position and having packing units hanging on the bar and comprising a bar-magazine where the exchange device (60) has a bar exchange carriage (61) through which one loaded bar is moved out of the receiving devices (7) and second bar is brought into the receiving device. A INDEPENDENT CLAIM is given for an arrangement comprising first bar-type element.