Adjustable Inner Guide Body for Bottle Conveyor Deflector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottle handling systems, particularly curved conveyor belts, require frequent replacement of both inner and outer side panels to accommodate different bottle sizes and types, necessitating machine stoppage and posing stability and safety risks due to the weight of the panels.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a dual conveyor belt system with a deflector device featuring an adjustable inner guide body and outer guide body, where the inner guide body's curvature is modified using a tensioning element and pushing mechanism, allowing for elastic deformation and automatic tensioning, enabling adaptation to various bottle sizes without replacing both side panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both inner and outer side panels are replaced to accommodate different bottle sizes, then adaptability to various bottle types is improved, but machine stoppage time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various bottle typesVSAvoidproductivity due to machine stoppage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The side panel system is divided into two independent parts: a fixed outer side panel and a movable inner side panel. This segmentation allows the inner panel to be adjusted independently without removing the outer panel, enabling quick adaptation to different bottle sizes while keeping the machine running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner side panel is designed with movable and adjustable features, allowing it to dynamically change position and curvature radius according to different bottle dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for complete panel replacement when switching between bottle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If heavy side panels are manually replaced, then adaptability to different container sizes is improved, but safety risks increase due to the weight of the panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container sizesVSAvoidsafety risks from panel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inner side panel incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that allow automatic positioning and securing without manual handling of heavy components. The panel can be adjusted and locked into position through built-in mechanical features, eliminating the need for workers to manually lift and install heavy panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple side panels are stored for different bottle types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different processing requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity from multiple panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer side panel is designed as a universal fixed structure that works with all bottle types, while the inner side panel provides the variable adjustment capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple complete panel sets, reducing complexity and storage requirements.

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

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

This solution allows for stable bottle handling across different sizes and types without stopping the machine, reduces safety risks, and simplifies adaptation to different processing requirements, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by allowing curvature adjustment of the inner guide body without manual tensioning.

Implementation Method 1

modifying the curvature radius of the inner guide body (32) by acting on the tensioning element (43)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

modifying the curvature radius of the inner guide body (32) by acting on the pushing element (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4059871B1Apparatus for handling bottles and related machine
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 RUFFINO SRL
  • EP4059871B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4059871B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4059871B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus for handling bottles (C), comprising a first (21) and a second (22) conveyor belt with directions of advancement incident with each other, and a deflector device (3) for connecting the first (21) and the second (22) conveyor belts.