Conveying System with Rotating Receptacle for Product Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying systems struggle to precisely control the orientation of products during conveyance, especially for non-cylindrical products, which limits production rate and efficiency in processes like labeling and laser marking.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system comprising a track and carriages with a receptacle that can be rotated by engaging with a receptacle-rotating member, such as a belt or roller chain, along the track. The system controls the rotational orientation of the receptacle by adjusting the conveyance speed of the carriage relative to the advancing speed of the receptacle-rotating member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating carousel is used to convey cylindrical products, then the production rate is limited by the rotation speed and capacity of the carousel, but increasing the carousel capacity by increasing the carousel diameter results in an increase in the footprint of the carousel
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the product conveyance function into separate modules: a linear track for conveyance and a receptacle-rotating member for rotation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of conveyance speed and rotation control, achieving high productivity without requiring a large-diameter carousel
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional carousel rotation to a three-dimensional arrangement where the linear track and receptacle-rotating member are positioned at different spatial locations. The receptacle-rotating member advances along a region of the track, enabling rotation control without increasing the carousel's horizontal footprint
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional conveying systems are used, then the orientation of non-cylindrical products cannot be precisely controlled, but precise product orientation is needed for laser marking and inspection and for subsequent processes
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle-rotating member acts as an intermediary between the linear conveyance track and the product receptacle. By controlling the engagement between this intermediate component and the pulley, the system achieves precise rotational control without requiring complex downstream aligning devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical orientation control mechanisms with a simplified system based on differential speed control between the linearly moving carriage and the receptacle-rotating member. The engagement between pulley and rotating member provides automatic rotational control without additional actuators
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
This solution allows for precise control of product orientation during conveyance, enabling higher production rates and efficient application of labels or markings without the need for complex carousel systems or human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
engagement, such as via its pulley, with the receptacle-rotating member
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a conveying system comprising: a track (2), a plurality of carriages (4) to be conveyed on the track (2), each carriage comprising: a main body which is held along the track (2); and a receptacle rotatably supported by the main body and configured for receiving a product, and further comprising a receptacle-rotating member (60) which is configured to advance, at a defined advancing speed, along a region provided at at least a portion of the track (2), and to control the rotational orientation of the carriage's receptacles; wherein each carriage can be in engagement, via its receptacle, with the receptacle-rotating member (60).