Container Conveyor Transfer Layout to Minimize Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport systems experience frequent container tipping during directional changes due to transverse thrust and angular contact, leading to incomplete fill levels.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple conveyor belts with adjustable angles and regions, including a main conveyor belt with a horizontal surface, allows for spatial separation of transverse thrust and angular changes, using hold-down devices and transfer plates to stabilize containers during transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are transferred from tilted incoming transporters to horizontal mass flow conveyor, then the transfer can be accomplished using gravity assistance, but containers frequently fall over due to transverse thrust and angular contact in the transfer region
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is divided into distinct functional regions: a first region with tilted conveyor belts for gravity-assisted transfer, and a second region with horizontal conveyor belts for stable transport. This segmentation allows each region to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition region with horizontal conveyor belts acts as an intermediary between the tilted incoming transporters and the horizontal mass flow conveyor. This intermediate zone buffers the containers, allowing them to adapt gradually from the tilted position to horizontal transport, preventing direct angular contact that causes tipping.
2Area of stationary object
If the transfer region is kept small to enable efficient transfer, then space is saved, but containers cannot maintain full contact and stability during the angular change
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extends the transfer system in the longitudinal direction by adding a second region with horizontal conveyor belts. This dimensional extension provides sufficient contact area and transition distance without increasing the transverse footprint of the transfer region, maintaining both compactness and stability.
3Ease of operation
If incoming transporters are tilted to facilitate gravity-assisted transfer, then transfer ease is improved, but transverse thrust causes increased container tipping in the transfer region
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful transverse thrust effect is extracted and isolated to the first region where tilted conveyor belts are used. The second region with horizontal conveyor belts eliminates this harmful effect by providing a stable, level transport surface that does not generate transverse thrust, allowing containers to be transported without the tipping risk.
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
Ensures secure and complete transport of containers by minimizing container tipping and achieving maximum fill levels without damage.
Implementation Method 1
The first transport surface extends in the transverse direction... the second transport surface extends in the longitudinal direction... Containers can be transported in the first region in a third or fourth direction
Implementation Method 2
the first transport surface encloses a first angle with a plane perpendicular to the direction of action of gravity... Due to the inclination of the incoming transporters in the direction of the mass flow conveyor, the containers can be transferred more easily with the aid of their weight
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for transporting containers, having: at least one first conveyor belt whose transport surface encloses a first angle with a plane perpendicular to the direction of action of gravity, the first transport surface extending in the transverse direction, containers being transportable in a first or in a second direction that are opposite to each another and extend in the transverse direction; a main conveyor belt having a second transport surface, wherein, in a first region adjacent to the at least one first conveyor belt, the second transport surface encloses the first angle with the plane perpendicular to the direction of action of gravity and extends in the longitudinal direction, containers are transportable in a third or fourth direction that are opposite to each other and extend in the longitudinal direction, wherein the third and fourth directions are perpendicular to the first and second directions, respectively.