Conveying Device Buffer for Strip Products
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveying systems for strip-shaped or plate-shaped products, such as chewing gum, face disruptions due to faults in further processing and packaging machines, leading to continuous production challenges and storage needs, as the production process cannot be easily stopped or interrupted.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that buffers products in a storage unit when the downstream processing machine is not ready, allowing continuous production and decoupling the production and processing steps, enabling seamless product transfer once the processing machine is operational again, with sensors for quality control and manual handling for filled storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If products are continuously produced in a rolling train, then productivity is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to disruptions from downstream processing faults
Solution Approach 1:
A storage device is introduced as an intermediary buffer between the continuous production line and the downstream processing machine. This storage device temporarily holds products when the processing machine is unavailable, decoupling the production continuity from processing interruptions and preventing disruptions from propagating upstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous production system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the rolling train for continuous production, the storage device for buffering, and the downstream processing machine. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently at its own rhythm, with the storage device acting as a buffer zone that absorbs mismatches in production and processing rates.
2Productivity
If the production process cannot be stopped, then productivity is maintained, but products accumulate when processing is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device serves as a controlled intermediary that manages product accumulation. Instead of uncontrolled accumulation in the production line, products are temporarily stored in a dedicated buffer zone, allowing the production line to continue operating at full capacity while processing resumes from the stored inventory.
3Reliability
If a storage device is introduced to buffer products, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is implemented as a relatively simple intermediary component with straightforward functions: receiving products from the production line, holding them temporarily, and releasing them to the processing machine. This simple buffer structure provides significant reliability improvements without introducing complex control systems or mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for conveying strip-shaped or plate shaped products utilizing the following steps and features: supply the products out of a continuously operating device to the conveying device; convey the products in succession in the conveying device; and transfer the products from the conveying device to a device for further processing. When the device for the further processing of the products is not ready for operation the products are store, then discharged when the device for the for the further processing of the products is ready for operation. Additionally, the products supplied into the conveying device is discharged out of the conveying device when the device for the further processing of the products is not ready for operation, the products are not able to be transferred to the further processing device, and when the storage device is completely filled with products.