Carrier Unit Tilt Axis Inversion for Sorting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices face challenges in maintaining support platforms at a higher level due to compact tilting mechanisms, which can lead to space constraints and undesirable mass inertia effects, especially when using cheeks on the support platforms.
Innovation Solution
The device reverses the relative positions of the rotation axis and tilt axis, placing the tilt axis between the axis of rotation and the support platform, allowing for increased height and a lower center of gravity, while incorporating an electric motor with a perpendicular outgoing shaft to minimize space usage and incorporating screening means to prevent product interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the support platform is positioned close above the conveying means level (compact construction), then the device structure is compact, but the support platform cannot be positioned at a higher level which is needed when using cheeks on the support platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the tilt axis between the rotation axis and the support platform, rather than having the rotation axis between the tilt axis and platform. This inversion allows the support platform to be positioned at a higher level while maintaining a compact tilting mechanism structure.
2Length of moving object
If the support platform is positioned at a higher level, then space for cheeks is provided, but the center of gravity increases leading to undesirable mass inertia effects
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the axis arrangement and positioning the rotation axis above the tilt axis, the patent achieves a higher support platform level while keeping the center of gravity low. The electric motor's center of gravity is positioned on the side of the rotation axis remote from the support platform, close to the conveying means, thereby limiting mass inertia effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the electric motor's center of gravity to create a counterbalancing effect. By placing the motor's center of gravity low, close to the conveying means, it counteracts the increased mass inertia that would result from positioning the support platform at a higher level.
3Device complexity
If the rotation axis is positioned close to the support platform, then the tilting mechanism is compact, but the support platform cannot be positioned at a relatively high level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the conventional axis arrangement by positioning the tilt axis between the rotation axis and the support platform. This creates spatial separation that allows the support platform to be positioned at a higher level while maintaining compactness of the tilting mechanism through the cam and camway engagement.
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 configuration enhances the device's stability by reducing mass inertia effects and maintaining a closed deck structure, preventing product misalignment during tilting and ensuring continuous operation through bends in the conveying path.
Implementation Method 1
The tilting means comprise at least one cam and drive means comprising an electric motor supported by the conveying means for rotating the at least one cam relative to the leg members about an axis of rotation spaced from the at least one cam by some distance
Implementation Method 2
drive means comprising an electric motor supported by the conveying means for rotating the at least one cam relative to the leg members about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
the disclosed embodiments have a tilt axis that is located between the axis of rotation and the support platform... the center of gravity of the carrier units, including the associated electric motor, can be low. The latter is advantageous because the occurrence of undesirable mass inertia effects is prevented.
Implementation Method 4
at least one camway formed by the support means, with which the at least one cam mates upon rotation of the at least one cam about the axis of rotation for tilting the support means and the associated support platform
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sorting products having carrier units arranged adjacent to each other and conveying means for supporting and conveying the carrier units. Each carrier unit has a support platform, support means for supporting the support platform, leg members supported by the conveying means and tiltably supporting the support means, and tilting means for tilting the support means relative to each other about a tilt axis extending parallel to the conveying path. The tilting means has at least one cam and drive means having an electric motor supported by the conveying means for rotating the at least one cam relative to the leg members about an axis of rotation, as well as a camway which is rigidly connected to the support means and with which the at least one cam mates upon rotation of the at least one cam about the axis of rotation. The tilt axis is located between the axis of rotation and the support platform.