Container Lane Blocking with Electric Muscle Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container transport systems in the beverage industry require significant installation space and have slow switching times due to pneumatically or hydraulically operated lane-blocking elements, limiting machine performance.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with electrical actuators, specifically using electroactive polymer elements and spring elements, allows for direct conversion of electrical control signals into mechanical movements, enabling faster switching and a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are used for lane-blocking elements, then reliable blocking function is achieved, but switching time increases and installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking functionVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic or hydraulic actuators with a mechanically actuated locking element that is directly moved by a actuating mechanism along the guide element. This substitution eliminates the need for complex fluid power systems, reducing switching time while maintaining reliable blocking function through direct mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems from the lane-blocking mechanism, retaining only the essential mechanical blocking function. This simplification removes intermediate conversion steps, directly reducing switching time and installation space while preserving the core blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are used for lane-blocking elements, then sufficient blocking force is achieved, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking forceVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes bulky pneumatic or hydraulic actuator systems with a compact mechanical actuation mechanism that directly moves the locking element. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces the installation space required while maintaining adequate blocking force through direct mechanical engagement and leverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using fluid pressure to generate blocking force through complex actuator mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using direct mechanical actuation where the actuator moves the locking element along the guide element. This inversion simplifies the force transmission path and reduces the space required for actuator installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of time

If electrical actuators are used for controllable locking elements, then switching time is reduced and device complexity is reduced, but installation space requirement may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching timeVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a locking element that can dynamically change its position along the guide element between a retracted state (allowing container flow) and a protruding state (blocking the lane). This dynamic positioning capability enables rapid switching responses to control signals while maintaining a compact design that adapts to the available space within the conveyor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution achieves faster switching times and reduces the required installation space, thereby enhancing machine performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one controllable locking element (13.1, 13.2) has an electrical actuator, in particular an electroactive polymer element (15), for adjustment between the normal position and the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer effect: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4041663B1Transport apparatus and method for transporting containers

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KRONES AG

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Transport apparatus (10) for containers (2), having a transporter (11) for transporting the containers (2) as a container flow (3), at least one guide element (12), assigned to the transporter (11), for guiding the container flow (3) in a lane (G), and having a lane blocking device (13) that comprises at least one controllable blocking element (13.1, 13.2) that is configured to be adjustable, during operation of the transporter (11), between a normal position for free transport and a blocking position for blocking transport in the lane (G), wherein the at least one controllable blocking element (13.1, 13.2) comprises an electric muscle element (14) for adjustment between the normal position and the blocking position.