Conveying Apparatus Retaining Elements for Pasta Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying apparatuses in packaging machines for alimentary pasta and granular products fail to ensure stable positioning of packages and cannot manufacture packages of different types, leading to inefficiencies and downtime during format changes.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus featuring a closed loop chain with retaining elements having a 'C'-shaped housing and a locking lever system, allowing easy attachment and detachment from a runner, along with adjustable guides to accommodate various package sizes, ensures stable positioning and facilitates the production of different package types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveying means with fixed compartments are used, then the structure is simple, but the package positioning is unstable and cannot accommodate different package types
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying apparatus is divided into modular compartments, each equipped with independent retaining elements that can be individually adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows each compartment to be customized for different package types while maintaining the overall simplicity of the conveying structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The locking lever mechanism allows operators to quickly change the position and configuration of retaining elements during operation, enabling adaptation to different package formats without redesigning the entire conveying system.
2Loss of time
If retaining elements are firmly fixed to ensure stable positioning, then package positioning is stable, but replacing retaining elements for format changes is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retaining elements are pre-positioned in different configurations within the compartment. The locking lever system allows operators to select and activate the appropriate retaining element configuration in advance, eliminating the need for complete replacement during format changes and reducing downtime while maintaining stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever mechanism allows retaining elements to be quickly released and repositioned without complete removal from the system. Used configurations can be temporarily set aside and reused when the same package format is needed again, reducing both replacement time and the number of unique retaining elements required.
3Ease of operation
If simple retaining elements are used, then the device is simple to operate, but package positioning stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the retaining element. It provides a simple manual interface for attachment and detachment while internally ensuring precise positioning through the engagement of keyed features and guided movement paths, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and positioning precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveying apparatus (1) is described, able to horizontally convey a plurality of packages (2) containing foods. The conveying apparatus (1) comprises a close loop chain (3) meshing between a driving ring gear (4) and an idle ring gear (5), with their own vertical rotation axes, and a plurality of retaining elements (9) removably fixed to said chain (3), a single package (2) of said plurality of packages (2) being retained by a retaining element (9) of said plurality of retaining elements (9).