Capsule Feeding Apparatus with Segmented Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule feeding apparatuses for filling machines with transferring wheels are bulky and costly due to complex and expensive orienting mechanisms required for feeding capsules in two adjacent rows, which hampers the efficiency and compactness of high-production filling machines.
Innovation Solution
A compact feeding apparatus with parallel first and second feeding conduits, each with associated pushing and orienting mechanisms, allows for precise orientation and insertion of capsules into seats arranged in two adjacent rows on the transferring wheel, utilizing alternating motion and abutting elements to align and rotate capsules for efficient feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single feeding station feeds two rows of seats using adjacent feeding conduits, then the filling machine becomes more compact and cost-effective, but the orienting means becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting function is segmented and distributed: first orienting conduits handle orientation for the first row of seats, while second orienting conduits handle orientation for the second row of seats. This segmentation allows each orienting conduit to be simpler in design while collectively serving both rows, resolving the contradiction between compactness and orienting complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding conduits serve multiple functions: they convey capsules vertically downward and also provide orienting functionality through their structural design. The first and second feeding conduits are configured to simultaneously feed both rows of seats while maintaining capsule orientation, reducing the need for separate complex orienting mechanisms
2Device complexity
If separate feeding stations are used for each row of seats, then the orienting mechanism is simpler, but the filling machine becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second feeding conduits are merged into a single feeding station structure, allowing both rows of seats to be fed from one compact station. The conduits are positioned adjacent to each other and share common support structures, achieving space efficiency while maintaining relatively simple orienting mechanisms for each row
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding conduits are arranged in a vertical configuration, conveying capsules downward in the vertical dimension. This vertical arrangement allows the feeding station to occupy less horizontal space while still providing access to both rows of seats, effectively transitioning the problem from a horizontal layout to a vertical one
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
The apparatus enables reliable and precise feeding of capsules into high-production filling machines with seats arranged in two adjacent rows, reducing bulkiness and cost while maintaining high production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each conduit enables a plurality of capsules arranged aligned according to the axis of greater length and in a single row to drop through by the force of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for feeding capsules (100) to a transferring wheel (210) of a filling machine (200) comprises a store (2) for containing the capsules (100); first feeding conduits (3) spaced apart along a first direction (X) for drawing the capsules (100) from the store (2) and conveying the capsules (100) from the store (2) to first seats (211) of the transferring wheel (210); second feeding conduits (4) spaced apart along the first direction (X) and spaced apart from the first feeding conduits (3) along a second direction (Y) substantially orthogonal to the first direction (X) for drawing the capsules (100) from the store (2) and conveying the capsules (100) from the store (2) to second seats (212) of the transferring wheel (210); first horizontal pushing means ( 11) and first vertical pushing means ( 12) for receiving and orienting the capsules (100) coming from the first feeding conduits (3); second horizontal pushing means (21) and second vertical pushing means (22) for receiving and orienting the capsules (100) coming from the second feeding conduits (4).