Continuous Conveyor Transfer of Pack Layers to Loading Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems experience performance loss and increased cycle time when transferring grouped layers of packs into a transport device's loading station, particularly due to the need for additional time during the return stroke of the slide from the blind gripper head.
Innovation Solution
An actively driven continuous conveyor, such as a mat conveyor with ribs or a ribbed mat chain, is used to transport pack layers into the loading station, where a pivotable bracket secures and further moves the packs, reducing cycle time by enhancing stability and frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a slide or vertical stroke mechanism is used to transfer pack layers into the loading station, then the transfer speed is improved, but the cycle time increases due to the need for the slide to move out of the blind gripper head during the return stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous conveyor is already in motion before the pack layer needs to be transferred, eliminating the need for acceleration and deceleration cycles. The conveyor maintains continuous movement, and the pack layer is transferred into the moving loading station, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with stopping and starting the transfer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor operates continuously without interruption during the transfer process. Unlike intermittent mechanisms that require return strokes or repositioning, the continuous conveyor maintains constant motion, ensuring that the useful action of transporting pack layers is uninterrupted and eliminates idle time during mechanism repositioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If frictional engagement is increased to prevent pack layer slippage during transfer, then transfer stability is improved, but the force required for transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor surface features localized rib structures that create concentrated friction zones directly under the pack layer. These ribs provide enhanced grip precisely where needed for stability, while the rest of the conveyor surface maintains lower friction characteristics, thereby achieving stable transfer without requiring excessive overall force.
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 significantly reduces cycle time by ensuring stable and efficient transfer of pack layers into the transport device, minimizing slippage and improving processing efficiency, even with packs of different types and materials.
Implementation Method 1
The mat conveyor has a higher coefficient of friction in the direction of transport of the layers of packs than transversely to the direction of transport of the layers of packs. This prevents the pack layers from being pushed back and/or forth and/or sliding
Implementation Method 2
the layers of packs can be positively engaged with the ribs in the direction to be transported, for example as a result of the binding of the borders of the ribs in packs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3g
AI summary
The device (10) has an actively driven continuous conveyor (11) for transporting container layers (2) in to a blind head (32), which comprises a securing element that is formed as a pivotable bracket (30). The container layers are secured at a side turned towards a continuous conveyor. The bracket loads the container layers with additional movable components (7) in a transport unit (5). The conveyor is designed as a mat conveyor (12) or formed as a ribbed modular conveyor belt. The conveyor comprises an integrated magnet. An independent claim is also included for a method for transferring container layers to a loading station of a transport device.