Conveyor Modules With Rotating Elements For Package Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing conveyor systems for handling folded packages of pourable food products require additional transfer units to change package orientation, which slows down and speeds up packages, affecting production line performance and layout, and can negatively impact package formation.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a rotating element in each link that changes the package orientation about its axis, eliminating the need for a separate transfer unit and allowing packages to be released in the correct orientation to the next handling unit without additional motorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an additional transfer unit is added to change package orientation, then package orientation can be corrected, but device complexity and production line layout become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the package orientation adjustment function directly into the conveyor system by integrating a rotating element (such as a turntable or rotating chain section) within the conveyor structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separate transfer unit, thereby correcting package orientation while simplifying the overall production line layout and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If additional transfer units with motorization are added, then package orientation can be changed, but productivity decreases due to slowing down and speeding up packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rotation of packages through the integrated rotating element within the conveyor, maintaining constant motion without stopping or reversing. This continuous action eliminates the need to slow down and speed up packages, thereby preserving productivity and production line efficiency while achieving proper package orientation.
3Ease of operation
If additional transfer units are added, then package orientation can be adjusted, but the number of components and motorization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the orientation adjustment mechanism into the existing conveyor structure, utilizing the conveyor's motion and support functions. This integration reduces the total number of components by eliminating the need for separate transfer units, their associated motors, and control systems, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining package orientation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a conveyor for an article handling unit, comprising an endless transport element fed with a plurality of articles at an input station and advancing the articles along a handling path to an output station; the transport element is formed by a plurality of modules, each comprising a supporting member adapted to receive in use a relative article to be handled; each module further comprises a rotating element mounted in a rotatable manner onto the supporting member to produce a change of orientation of the relative article before to release it at the output station.