Single-Row Conveyor Object Accumulation Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accumulation table systems in production and packaging lines face challenges such as increased complexity, reduced efficiency, and difficulty in maintaining low cycle times due to the use of manipulating robots and conveyor belt feeding, especially when handling delicate products and varying table sizes.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a single-row conveyor belt and two movable transfer devices that communicate with multiple accumulation channels, allowing for efficient object transfer and accumulation by alternating the flow between the transfer devices, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining low cycle times without affecting production yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manipulating robots are used to transfer objects on the accumulation table, then object transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and overall dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject transfer capabilityVSAvoidline control logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the manipulating robots from the accumulation table system entirely. Instead, it uses a conveyor belt that directly feeds objects into accumulation channels, eliminating the need for complex robotic manipulation and control logic while maintaining object transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the conveyor belt with transfer devices) that mediates between the input and accumulation channels, replacing the need for manipulating robots. This intermediary handles object transfer in a simpler, more reliable manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conveyor belts are used to feed objects into accumulation channels, then continuous operation is improved, but cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable transfer devices that can dynamically adjust their position along the conveyor belt. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain continuous operation while reducing cycle time by optimizing the transfer process based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through the alternating operation of multiple transfer devices. While one transfer device is transferring an object, another can be positioned or preparing, creating a periodic rhythm that maintains continuous operation without extending cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If the size of the accumulation table increases, then accumulation capacity is improved, but the speed and effort required increase, losing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccumulation capacityVSAvoidhourly line yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the accumulation table into multiple independent accumulation channels, each served by its own transfer device. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger accumulation capacity without increasing the speed and effort required, as each channel operates independently and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer devices are designed to be universal, capable of serving multiple accumulation channels. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high productivity even as accumulation capacity increases, as the same transfer mechanisms can serve different channels as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If rows of objects are fed into the accumulation table, then feeding efficiency is improved, but problems with continuous operation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of feeding rows of objects and then managing their distribution, the patent inverts the approach by feeding objects individually through the conveyor belt and using movable transfer devices to place them into accumulation channels. This inversion maintains feeding efficiency while ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20240067462A1Device and method for transferring and accumulating objects

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 EUROPOOL

AI summary

An apparatus for transferring and accumulating objects. The apparatus includes a plurality of accumulation channels and a single-row conveyor belt for conveying objects arranged upstream of the accumulation channels, in which the objects advance one after the other in a single row. The apparatus further includes at least a first and a second transfer device arranged upstream of the accumulation channels for transferring the objects from the conveyor belt to the accumulation channels. Each transfer device is arranged and shaped so as to communicate with one of the accumulation channels, the first and the second transfer device comprises respectively a first and a second movable portion which are movable along two parallel sliding directions so as to be arranged at different accumulation channels. The apparatus also includes an alternative divider configured to enable in turn the communication between the single-row conveyor belt and one of the transfer devices.