Carousel Guide with Decoupling Means for Packaging Machine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal-type automatic packaging machine carousels complicate maintenance tasks as carriages with grippers are permanently coupled, making it difficult to perform maintenance on the work section and associated units.
Innovation Solution
A carousel design with decoupling means that allows gripper-holding carriages to move freely into a maintenance position in the return section, using auxiliary driving means to reposition them, and recoupling mechanisms to return to the work position, ensuring the work section remains clear for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gripper-holding carriages are permanently coupled to the drum cam or flexible traction member, then the carriages can be continuously driven along the work section and return section, but the maintenance of the work section and associated units is complicated due to the presence of carriages in the work section
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between carriages and the flexible traction member is made dynamic rather than permanent. The coupling elements can automatically engage with driving elements when carriages are in the work section, and automatically disengage when carriages enter the return section, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The closed circuit is divided into two distinct sections: work section where carriages remain coupled for productivity, and return section where carriages can decouple for maintenance access. This spatial segmentation allows different operational modes in different zones
2Ease of repair
If decoupling means are introduced to allow carriages to move independently in the return section, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional decoupling and recoupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are equipped with automatic engagement and disengagement capabilities without requiring external control mechanisms. The coupling elements themselves perform the decoupling action when entering the return section and recoupling when returning to the work section, eliminating the need for complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling elements act as intermediaries between the carriages and the flexible traction member. These intermediate components facilitate automatic engagement and disengagement, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling maintenance mode operation
3Ease of repair
If coupling elements can move vertically between coupled and decoupled positions, then maintenance mode is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed to move vertically along guide elements between coupled and decoupled positions. The guide elements provide natural alignment and the vertical movement path ensures consistent engagement geometry, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are pushed by elastic elements toward the lower coupled position and against stops. This pre-compression and positioning mechanism ensures that coupling elements are always ready for engagement and reduces sensitivity to positioning variations
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
Facilitates maintenance by allowing gripper-holding carriages to be moved independently in the return section, reducing hindrances and improving maintenance efficiency in the work section and operating units.
Implementation Method 1
a drum cam provided with a cam groove in which a cam follower assembled in each carriage is coupled to drive the carriages along said work section
Implementation Method 2
a flexible traction member, such as a roller chain or the like, which has fixed driving elements which are coupled with corresponding coupling elements assembled in the carriages to drive the carriages along said return section
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element, such as a coil spring, is arranged such that it pushes the coupling element towards the lower position and against said stop
Data Source
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AI summary
The carousel comprises a guide (1) defining a closed circuit with a work section (1a) and a return section (1b), a plurality of gripper-holding carriages (2) movable along said guide, with a gripper (3) to grip containers installed on each carriage, a drum cam (4) to drive the gripper-holding carriages (2) along the work section (1a), and a flexible traction member (6) to drive the gripper-holding carriages (2) along the return section (1b). The carousel comprises decoupling means and retaining means to accumulate the gripper-holding carriages (2) decoupled from the flexible traction member (6) in the return section (1b) in a maintenance position, leaving the work section (1a) clear, and auxiliary driving means and recoupling means to return the gripper-holding carriages to a work position.