Conveyor Guide Rail Configuration for Container Width Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyors face challenges in securely guiding containers of various dimensions, leading to misprinted products and inefficient adjustment processes, as existing systems require manual adjustment and are time-consuming, especially when containers of different sizes are processed.
Innovation Solution
A guide rail configuration with an adjustable guiding structure, comprising a guide element, support, and carrier, equipped with an electric actuator and detector (such as a distance sensor or camera) that allows for precise automatic adjustment of the guide element during the conveying process, ensuring secure guidance without stopping production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of the guiding structure is performed to accommodate containers of different sizes, then the guiding precision is improved, but the production time is increased due to repeated adjustments and potential production stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure automatically detects container dimensions and adjusts its own position without manual intervention. The system uses detectors to measure container width and actuators to self-adjust the guide element positioning, eliminating the need for operators to stop production for manual adjustments while maintaining precise guiding for containers of various sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the positioning parameters of the guide elements based on detected container dimensions. The actuator adjusts the guide element position according to the measured container width, allowing the guiding structure to adapt to different container sizes without manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining precision while continuous production
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guiding structure is adjusted as a whole to accommodate different container sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the adjustment time is increased making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure is divided into multiple independent guide elements that can be adjusted individually rather than moving the entire structure. Each guide element can be independently positioned using its own actuator, allowing selective adjustment of only the necessary components based on container dimensions, thereby reducing overall adjustment time while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structure transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic system where guide elements can be individually repositioned based on real-time container measurements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to various container sizes quickly without the time-consuming process of adjusting the entire guiding structure
3Reliability
If protective walls are installed to cover the guiding portion for safety, then the safety is improved, but the adjustability is reduced making manual adjustment difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated detection and actuation system. Sensors detect container dimensions and electric actuators automatically adjust the guide element positions, eliminating the need for operators to physically access and manually adjust the guiding structure behind protective walls, thus maintaining both safety and adjustability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a guide rail configuration for a conveyor and conveyor comprising a guide rail configuration, wherein the conveyor may, for example, be used for conveying products, packages or containers. The guide rail configuration may comprise a detector, in particular a distance sensor or a camera, configured to detect a distance to a lateral side of a container conveyed by the conveyor,or a lateral dimension of the container, wherein the actuator is activated on the basis of a measurement signal from the detector.