Distributor Device for Beverage Container Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution devices for beverage containers lead to inefficient use of collection container capacity due to the formation of bulk material cones, which result in premature full signals and suboptimal distribution, especially when handling compacted metal, plastic, or cardboard packaging.
Innovation Solution
A distribution device with a drive unit and distribution elements, such as rods or whorl-like structures, connected to a drive shaft positioned almost vertically next to the outlet of the feed device, ensuring horizontal effective areas that extend between the outlet and the upper edge of the collection container, allowing for efficient distribution without interfering with feeding or removal processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beverage containers are fed into the collection container from above, then the collection process is simple and continuous, but bulk material cones form causing premature full signals and reduced capacity utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration mechanism that activates when the bulk material cone reaches a critical height, causing the cone to vibrate and redistribute the containers. This prevents the cone from blocking the outlet and ensures continuous filling of the collection container, thereby maintaining high capacity utilization and preventing premature emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the height of the bulk material cone and changes the operational state by activating the vibration mechanism at a specific critical height. This parameter-based control allows the system to maintain optimal flow conditions and prevent cone formation that would reduce capacity utilization.
2Productivity
If a slide element pushes containers to the side, then some distribution is achieved, but only one container is moved at a time resulting in incomplete cavity filling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mechanically pushing individual containers with a slide element, the patent uses vibration to simultaneously redistribute multiple containers throughout the collection container. This approach achieves complete cavity filling much more efficiently while keeping the device structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical push-based distribution system with a vibration-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures that move containers one at a time, while achieving more effective and simultaneous distribution of multiple containers.
3Productivity
If a rectangular distributor moves through the receiving volume, then distribution is improved, but damage risk increases when the filled container must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration mechanism gently agitates the bulk material cone to achieve distribution without requiring a rectangular distributor to physically move through the receiving volume. This eliminates the risk of damage to the distributor or the filled containers during the distribution process and container removal.
4Productivity
If compacted beverage containers with sharp edges are distributed using a rectangular distributor, then distribution may occur, but jamming and wedging increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration mechanism effectively distributes compacted beverage containers with sharp edges by creating dynamic movement that prevents containers from interlocking and jamming. The vibrational energy overcomes the wedging effect of sharp edges, allowing smooth distribution without the problems associated with rectangular distributors.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (1) has a collecting container (4) attached to an outlet (3) of a supply device, and a controller arranged upstream of a drive device (7) that comprises an electric-motor drive (8). A distribution element (5) is designed in a rod or wing-shape and connected with a vertical drive shaft (6) of the drive device, where the drive shaft is arranged adjacent to the outlet of the supply device. Horizontal circular path operating areas of the distribution element are attached to the outlet of the supply device and fixed between the outlet and an upper edge of the container.