Blister Pack Conveyor Unit with Rotating Disc for Direction Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blister pack conveyor systems struggle to maintain the correct alignment of blister packs during changes in advancement direction, leading to unsuitable configurations for optimal functioning at the boxing machine, and they tend to accumulate dust and dirt, making cleaning difficult.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor unit comprising a rotating disc and a belt system that aligns blister packs by transferring them from one conveyor to another, ensuring consistent orientation through a combination of disc rotation and linear belt guidance, while being housed in a casing to prevent dust accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If slat-type conveyors or profiled conveyors are used to connect non-aligned machines, then the conveying path can include direction changes, but the blister packs become de-aligned in a random and de-articulated way

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying path flexibilityVSAvoidblister pack alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into multiple independent conveyor sections (first conveyor, second conveyor, third conveyor) that can be separately controlled. Each section handles a specific segment of the conveying path, allowing independent adjustment and control to maintain alignment through direction changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A second conveyor acts as an intermediary between the first and third conveyors. This intermediate conveyor receives blister packs from the first conveyor at a first transfer point and transfers them to the third conveyor at a second transfer point, enabling direction changes while maintaining alignment through controlled transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If slat-type conveyors or profiled conveyors are used for direction changes, then connecting non-aligned machines is enabled, but dust and dirt accumulate easily making cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying path configurationVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyors use belt-type surfaces that are smooth and continuous, preventing dust and dirt accumulation. The belt surfaces can be easily wiped clean and do not have the crevices or complex structures of slat or profiled conveyors, making hygiene maintenance simple and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If profiled conveyors are used for direction changes, then connecting non-aligned machines is enabled, but the conveyors are rather noisy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical profiled conveyors with belt conveyors that use friction-based transmission instead of mechanical interlocking elements. This substitution eliminates the noise generated by mechanical engagement and disengagement of profiled elements while maintaining the ability to change conveying directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2334578B1A product conveyor unit
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA
  • EP2334578B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP2334578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2334578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The unit (1) for conveying products (2), in particular blister packs (2), comprises a first conveyor (4), and a second conveyor (5). The unit (1) comprises a disc (6) between the first conveyor (4) and the second conveyor (5), activatable in rotation about an axis (K) for performing transfer of the products (2) from the first conveyor (4) to the second conveyor (5) anda change in direction thereof from the first advancement direction (A1) to the second advancement direction (A2), and further comprises guide means (8, 80) of the products (2) which guide means (8, 80) are positionable on the disc (6) such as to identify at least a linear guided advancement tract (L1) of the products (2) for aligning and guiding the products (2) in transfer onto the rotating disc (6) towards the second conveyor (5).