Collection Bin Closure Gate for In-Line Inspection Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In product inspection systems, the risk of operator injury arises when emptying a collection bin filled with ejected articles, as articles may still be ejected during the process, and opening the bin exposes the operator to moving machinery and potential radiation.
Innovation Solution
A collection bin with a divided design featuring a solid top part and a bottom part that can be moved between closed and open positions, where the bottom part's open position blocks the chute opening, preventing articles from being ejected and acting as a safety barrier, along with an optional overfill-warning sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collection bin is opened to empty ejected articles, then the operator can access and remove articles, but articles may still be ejected during the process causing injury to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The closure gate blocks the chute opening before the operator empties the collection bin, preventing articles from being ejected during the emptying process. This preliminary blocking action eliminates the hazard before the operator exposes themselves to the potential danger zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure gate acts as an intermediary barrier between the chute and the collection bin. When closed, it physically separates the ejection path from the bin interior, allowing the operator to safely access and empty the bin without risk of article ejection.
2Ease of operation
If the collection bin is opened to empty ejected articles, then the operator can access and remove articles, but the operator is exposed to moving machinery and potential radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure gate is closed before the operator accesses the collection bin, creating a protective barrier that shields the operator from moving machinery and potential radiation sources during the emptying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure gate serves as a protective intermediary between the operator and the hazardous zones (moving machinery and radiation sources). When closed, it physically isolates the operator from these dangers while still allowing bin access for emptying.
3Productivity
If articles are ejected at high speed into the collection bin, then the ejection function is effective, but the force of ejected articles can injure the operator during bin emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The closure gate is closed before the operator begins emptying the bin, capturing any high-speed articles that might be ejected during the emptying process. This preliminary protective measure neutralizes the kinetic energy hazard before it can affect the operator.
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
Prevents operator injuries by ensuring no articles are ejected during bin emptying and shields the operator from machinery and radiation, while the overfill sensor alerts for potential malfunctions or blockages.
Implementation Method 1
the closure gate is designed to be overlaid on, or interlaid with, the sloped slide surface of the chute when the bottom part is in the closed position, and to slip out of the sloped slide surface into a position to block the bottom opening of the chute
Implementation Method 2
the bottom part, which includes an open-top receptacle that serves to collect the ejected articles, is constrained to the supporting structure with limited, guided mobility between a closed position where the open top of the receptacle lines up with the bottom opening of the chute, and with an open position where the bottom part is moved out from underneath the bottom opening of the chute
Data Source
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AI summary
A collection bin (2) for an in-line product inspection system (1) is arranged downstream of an inspection device (5) along a transport conveyor (4) for the inspected articles (8) and is positioned to receive articles (8) that are pushed off the transport conveyor (4) by an ejection device (6). According to the invention, the collection bin (2) is configured as an enclosed compartment divided into a top part (11) and a bottom part (16). The top part (11) is solidly attached to the supporting structure (3) of the inspection system (1) and includes a chute (11) with an entry opening (13) of the chute (11) facing towards the transport conveyor (4), and with a downward-sloped slide surface (14) leading to a bottom opening (15) of the chute (11). The bottom part (16), which serves to collect the ejected articles (8), is constrained to the supporting structure (3) with limited guided mobility between a closed position where the open top (17) of the receptacle (16) lines up with the bottom opening (15) of the chute (11), and with an open position where the bottom part (16) is moved out from underneath the bottom opening (15) of the chute (11) so that the collected articles (8) can be taken out of the receptacle (16). A closure gate (18) which is hinged to the bottom part (16) along a hinge axis (19) slides over the sloped slide surface (14) of the chute (11) when the bottom part (16) is closed, and slips out of the sloped slide surface (14) into a position to block the bottom opening (15) of the chute (11) when the bottom part (16) is opened.