Carriage Transfer Track With Variable Pitch Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging industry apparatuses struggle to efficiently change the spacing between moveable carriages to match the throughput of conveyors with different pitches, leading to inefficiencies in article manipulation and transfer between conveyors.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs synchronized drive means, such as lug chains and conveying wheels/screws, to control the speed and pitch of carriages along a fixed track, allowing seamless handover between different conveying portions with varying pitches, enabling precise acceleration and deceleration to maintain synchronized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pitch between carriages is changed to match throughput of conveyors with different pitches, then the adaptability and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for synchronized drive means and speed control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pitch between carriages variable rather than fixed. The synchronized drive means enables dynamic adjustment of carriage spacing to match different conveyor throughput requirements. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where pitch can be changed on-the-fly to adapt to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus achieves multi-functionality by being capable of operating at multiple pitches. The synchronized drive system allows the same apparatus to handle different conveyor configurations and throughput rates, making it a universal solution that can adapt to various packaging line requirements rather than requiring dedicated equipment for each pitch.
2Manufacturing precision
If synchronized drive means are used to control carriage speed and pitch, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized drive means incorporates feedback mechanisms to maintain precise carriage spacing. By monitoring the position and speed of carriages, the system can make real-time adjustments to maintain the desired pitch, ensuring consistent and accurate spacing control throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control to adjust carriage speed and spacing in real-time. The synchronized drive mechanism can vary speeds of different carriages to achieve precise spacing control, transitioning from static speed settings to dynamic speed adjustment based on operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveying portions with different pitches are used, then the adaptability to different conveyor configurations is improved, but the loss of time during handover between portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acceleration or deceleration of carriages before they reach handover points between conveying portions with different pitches. This preliminary action ensures that carriages are already at the appropriate speed when transitioning, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous flow during pitch changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized drive system dynamically adjusts carriage speeds as they approach handover points between different pitch sections. By continuously varying speeds in real-time, the system smooths transitions between conveying portions and eliminates idle time during pitch changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for conveying a carriage (212) around a fixed path, which apparatus comprises a fixed track, a carriage moveably engaged with the fixed track, a first conveyor (270) releasably engageable with the carriage (212) and operable to drive the carriage (212) around a first portion of the fixed track, a transfer means (282) operable to engage with the carriage (212) and to convey the carriage (212), once it has disengaged from the first conveyor (270), around a second portion of the fixed track and into a position in which it is engageable with a second conveyor, (276) which second conveyor is operable to drive the carriage (212) around a third portion of the fixed track. The conveyors and/or transfer means can be endless elements, screws or wheels.