Circular Conveyor for Individual Packaging Unit Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for transporting articles of different types, sizes, weights, and materials to specific delivery locations are often mechanically complex, costly, and difficult to maintain, lacking adaptability and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A continuously moving conveying system with a simple structure comprising few parts, using transport containers that move along a circular path with horizontal and vertical sections, where detection and control mechanisms activate the discharge of articles at designated locations through rotation and inversion, facilitated by drive wheels, guide pins, and actuating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional conveyor systems with gates, movable guides, or drop doors are used to divert packaging units to delivery points, then delivery accuracy is improved, but mechanical complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery accuracyVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical diversion mechanisms (gates, movable guides, drop doors) with a continuously moving conveyor belt system where packaging units are diverted through controlled release at specific locations. The system uses a continuous belt with release mechanisms that allow packaging units to be deposited at designated delivery points without requiring complex mechanical diversion structures, thereby maintaining delivery accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuously moving conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it transports packaging units from the identification system, holds them in sequence, and delivers them to multiple different delivery locations. This single continuous system replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate conveyor sections with various mechanical diversion devices, achieving both delivery accuracy and mechanical simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conveyor systems with multiple mechanical components are used, then delivery location flexibility is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery location flexibilityVSAvoidease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is designed as a continuous belt that can be divided into discrete segments or zones, each corresponding to a delivery location. Packaging units are positioned on specific segments and released at the appropriate delivery point. This segmentation allows flexible delivery location configuration while maintaining a simple, modular structure that is easy to maintain and repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The continuously moving conveyor system is designed to be inherently reliable with minimal mechanical intervention required. The system uses the continuous motion of the belt itself to achieve delivery, without requiring complex control mechanisms or frequent adjustments. This self-service design reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining flexibility in delivery location configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional conveyor systems with multiple mechanical parts are used, then delivery precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery precisionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical diversion devices (gates, movable guides, drop doors) with a simpler continuously moving conveyor belt system. The belt system achieves delivery precision through controlled release mechanisms rather than complex mechanical positioning, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining delivery accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a simple, continuously moving conveyor belt that can be manufactured at low cost. Rather than investing in expensive, precision mechanical diversion devices, the patent employs a straightforward belt system with release points that achieves the same delivery precision at a fraction of the cost, making the system economically viable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS7784618B2Method and a device for transporting identified packaging units

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 TOMRA SYSTEMS

AI summary

A method and device for individually transporting articles of different type, size, weight, material or shape to one delivery location of a plurality of delivery locations that is designated for the respective article. The articles are placed one by one in respective transport containers, and the respective article is caused at a desired respective delivery location to be transferred from its transport container to a collecting or storage bin, disintegrator or further conveyor dedicated to the article, the transport container at the designated delivery location being made to discharge the article under the effect of gravity or with the aid of a separate, controlled actuating means. The respective article is identified prior to it being placed in a transport container. Identification may, for example, be related to the material of which the article is made.