Bottom-Opening Transport Bag Assembly for Automatic Conveyor Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems lack an efficient method for automatically unloading and re-loading transport bags, which hinders the seamless transportation and handling of goods.
Innovation Solution
A transport bag design featuring a dimensionally stable carrying wall with a clutch mechanism in the lower area and a flexible bottom side wall, equipped with counter-coupling means for automatic opening and closing, integrated into a conveyor system with specialized stations for loading, unloading, and re-closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid floor is hinged and closed with a lever system, then the transport bag can be sealed, but the unloading process becomes complex and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The transport bag automatically opens at the bottom by utilizing the weight of its own flexible bottom wall when the clutch is released, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex unloading mechanisms. The system serves itself by using gravity and the flexible material's natural movement to achieve opening.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of opening the transport bag from the top (conventional approach), the invention opens from the bottom by releasing the clutch mechanism. This inverted approach simplifies the unloading process while maintaining sealing capability when closed.
2Ease of operation
If the bottom wall is made flexible for automatic opening, then unloading is simplified, but the structural stability of the transport bag is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transport bag is divided into two distinct parts: a stable carrying wall (upper part) and a flexible bottom wall (lower part). This segmentation allows each part to have different properties - the upper part provides structural stability while the lower part enables automatic opening through flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the transport bag have different mechanical properties: the carrying wall is rigid and stable, while only the bottom wall is flexible. This local differentiation of material properties allows the bag to maintain overall structural stability while achieving automatic opening where needed.
3Productivity
If the clutch mechanism is added for automatic opening, then unloading efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed to be released automatically or through simple actuation, allowing the flexible bottom wall to open by its own weight. This self-service approach improves unloading efficiency without requiring complex actuation systems or multiple components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transport bag is designed with a frame-like bracket for conveyor integration, then conveyor compatibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame-like bracket is designed with universal features that allow the transport bag to be integrated into various conveyor systems. The bracket serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling conveyor attachment, and facilitating automatic opening through interaction with conveyor mechanisms.
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 automatic unloading and re-loading of transport bags, ensuring efficient and precise handling of goods within the conveyor system by utilizing the clutch mechanism and station-specific alignment and lifting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom side wall is flexible, at least in its lower area, and has counter-coupling means that can be engaged with the coupling, so that the transport bag can be closed at the bottom. When the clutch is opened, the transport bag opens downward and releases a transported good.
Data Source
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AI summary
The transport bag (1) has two walls. The former wall is formed as a support wall (2) with a support hook (12) on its upper area and a pivoting clamp (8). The former wall has a coupling (14) on its lower area, devices for opening the coupling on its upper area, and devices for closing the coupling. The latter wall is formed as a flexible base-side-wall (3) in the lower area. The latter wall is connected with the pivoting clamp in its upper area and is provided with counter coupling units in its lower area for inclusion in the coupling. An independent claim is included for a conveying system with a conveying rail.