Conveying Device With Movable Trays And Intermediate Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying devices with fixed trays lack flexibility for adding, removing, or rearranging products during the conveying process, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device with a first and second conveyor, each with movable trays, and an intermediate conveyor with a supporting surface that allows products to be discharged and loaded via gravity, enabling flexible three-dimensional tracking and handling at different heights, with optional tiltable trays and a control system for tray management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed conveyor system with stationary trays is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the flexibility for adding, removing, or rearranging products is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable trays that can change position along the conveyor path, transitioning from static to dynamic configuration. The trays are guided by rails and can be positioned at different locations to accommodate varying product handling requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent sections with individually controllable trays. Each tray can be independently positioned or removed, allowing flexible product handling without requiring complete system reconfiguration, thus maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate conveyor is added to enable product transfer between conveyors, then the flexibility for product handling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate conveyor is integrated with the main conveyor system through shared support structures and synchronized control mechanisms. This merging approach allows the intermediate conveyor to function as part of the overall system rather than as a separate complex addition, enabling flexible product transfer while minimizing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate conveyor acts as a mediator between the first and second conveyors, providing a controlled transfer zone where products can be added, removed, or rearranged. This intermediary structure simplifies the transfer process by creating a dedicated handling area with standardized interfaces
3Productivity
If trays are made movable to enable discharging and loading, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable trays are equipped with sensors and automated positioning mechanisms that allow them to self-adjust their position and status based on their location in the conveyor path. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the central control system while maintaining high operational efficiency through automated tray management
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
Enables flexible product handling and reconfiguration along a three-dimensional track, allowing for efficient addition, removal, or rearrangement of products at various points, improving adaptability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
products fall on the supporting surface of the intermediate conveyor due to gravitation
Implementation Method 2
transfer the product from the intermediate conveyor to the second conveyor by gravitation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A conveying device (1) is provided with a first conveyor (2) and second conveyor (4). Each of the conveyors comprises a series of carriers (5). Each carrier includes at least a movable tray (6) for receiving at least a product thereon. The tray is movable between an open and closed position. The first conveyor is provided with a discharging station (7) and adapted such that the tray in closed position can be opened at the discharging station. The second conveyor is provided with a loading station (8) and adapted such that the tray is in the closed position for receiving a product thereon. The device is further provided with a drivable intermediate conveyor (3). The intermediate conveyor comprises a supporting surface for supporting the product, and is adapted such that the supporting surface extends at a level below the tray when the carrier of the first conveyor is at the discharging station.