Buffer Device Fills Transport Gaps in Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In container manufacturing processes, unoccupied gripping elements due to processing errors or faulty containers lead to transport gaps, disrupting synchronous operation between processing units and causing malfunctions, especially in high-speed transport systems like labeling machines.
Innovation Solution
A device with a buffer system and decoupling mechanism that fills gaps by transferring containers from a buffer device to the transport device, using synchronized gripping elements and detection systems to ensure continuous synchronous operation between processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the labeling machine stops or prevents labeling when an unoccupied gripping element arrives, then malfunctions are avoided, but synchronous operation between processing units is disturbed and very high accelerations or decelerations are required
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer device with gripping elements is introduced as an intermediary between the transport device and the labeling machine. When gaps occur in the container stream, the buffer device temporarily holds containers and releases them to maintain continuous operation at the labeling machine, preventing malfunctions while preserving synchronous operation between processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer device is pre-filled with containers before gaps occur in the transport stream. This preliminary action ensures that when gaps arise upstream, the labeling machine continuously receives containers from the buffer device, avoiding stoppages and maintaining synchronous operation without requiring high accelerations or decelerations.
2Reliability
If the labeling machine stops to prevent malfunctions from unoccupied gripping elements, then reliability is improved, but the load on the labeling machine is reduced, but synchronous operation is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer device serves as a decoupling intermediary that absorbs variations in container flow from upstream processing units. It maintains a steady container supply to the labeling machine through controlled release, ensuring operational stability without requiring complex real-time control adjustments to the labeling machine itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is segmented into independent sections: the upstream transport device, the buffer device with its own gripping elements, and the downstream labeling machine. This segmentation allows each section to operate independently, with the buffer device managing gaps without affecting the labeling machine's synchronous operation or requiring complex integrated control.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1e
AI summary
The device (1) has transport devices (3, 3a, 3b) transporting bulk goods i.e. container, from a processing unit (21) e.g. stretching blowing machine, to another processing unit (22) e.g. labelling machine. A buffer device (6) is provided with grip units (16) for the goods, and the grip units of the buffer device are combined with the transport devices so as to transfer isolated goods to selected or selectable grip units (13a, 13b) of the transport devices. A decoupling device is arranged between the transport devices and the buffer device. An independent claim is also included for a method for transporting bulk goods.