Carrier Puck Slide Ring Reduces Diversion Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carrier pucks in conveyor systems face challenges with high power requirements for diversion due to friction and rotational forces when multiple objects are conveyed together, often necessitating strong motors or additional stop mechanisms, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A carrier puck design featuring a slide ring that allows relative movement between the puck and manipulating means, reducing the power needed for diversion and incorporating roller elements and an orientation ring for improved performance and flexibility, along with detachable components for easy maintenance and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a strong motor is used to overcome friction from multiple pucks during diversion, then the diversion capability is improved, but the power requirement increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The puck is designed with a rotating upper body that can dynamically adjust its orientation during diversion. When a diverter disc catches the puck, the upper body rotates in the same direction as the diverter disc's rotation, allowing the puck to follow the disc's movement without creating friction against neighboring pucks. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for excessive diversion force and reduces power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The puck's upper body automatically rotates in response to the diverter disc's rotation, using the disc's own motion to drive the rotation. This self-service mechanism means the puck adapts to the diversion without requiring additional power input, as the rotation is passively induced by the diverter disc's movement rather than requiring an active motor.
2Ease of operation
If additional stop mechanisms are introduced before diverter stations, then the diversion process is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the need for external stop mechanisms by incorporating the stopping function directly into the diverter disc's interaction with the puck. The diverter disc itself creates a controlled stopping effect by catching the puck's upper body, eliminating the requirement for separate stop devices before each diverter station.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter disc serves multiple functions: it diverts the puck to side tracks and simultaneously provides a controlled stopping mechanism through its catching action. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated stop mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the puck rotates during diversion against conveyor rails and neighbouring pucks, then the diversion is achieved, but the friction force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper body of the puck is designed to rotate dynamically in the same direction as the diverter disc. This synchronized rotation allows the puck to follow the disc's movement smoothly without creating friction against neighboring pucks or conveyor rails, maintaining ease of diversion while minimizing friction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts what would normally be a harmful friction force into a beneficial synchronized motion. By allowing the upper body to rotate in the same direction as the diverter disc, the friction that would otherwise oppose diversion is transformed into a coordinated movement that facilitates smooth diversion without resistance from neighboring pucks.
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
This design enhances system efficiency and cost-effectiveness by reducing the force required for diversion, minimizing wear, and enabling flexible orientation and easy maintenance, while maintaining stability and orientation of conveyed objects.
Implementation Method 1
the puck will be subjected to a rotational movement since the diverter disc rotates. The puck may rotate during the diversion but will most likely not rotate in relation to the diverter disc. With several other pucks bearing on the first puck, the diverter disc will have to overcome the force from the other pucks bearing on each other. This will lead to either that the first puck glides with a friction against the other pucks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Carrier puck (1) for a conveyer system, comprising a circular lower body (2), and an upper body (3) attached to the lower body,and where the puck further comprises a slide ring (4)arranged in a ring groove (10) positioned above a lower contact surface (7) of the lower body (2). The advantage of the invention is that less power is required when the puck is manipulated in a conveyor system, and that wear on the puck is reduced.