Conveyor Belt Pivoting for Continuous Product Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in maintaining a continuous product flow without interruptions when switching between conveying levels, often resulting in product jams or gaps, which can disrupt the processing of lumpy products.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a system of interconnected pull-nose conveyor belts that adjust their positions and speeds to seamlessly transfer products between conveying levels, ensuring continuous and gap-free flow by coordinating the movements of input and output conveyor belts to maintain constant product intervals and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conveyor devices are adjusted or pivoted to switch between conveying levels, then product flow can be redirected to different output levels, but products may fall into the void at the open edge of the conveyor belt causing jams or interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is advanced in the conveying direction before the pivoting motion begins, so that the product flow is already positioned safely on the belt and will not fall into the void during the switching operation. This preliminary advancement of the belt ensures continuous reliable product transfer despite the level switching.
2Reliability
If a second identical machine part or system section is provided for replacement, then continuous product supply can be maintained when one section fails, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a static duplicate conveyor system, the invention uses a dynamic switching mechanism where a single conveyor belt can be pivoted to connect to different output conveyor devices at different levels. This dynamic reconfiguration allows one conveyor to serve multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple identical systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of time
If product groups are formed with gaps by varying conveying speed, then time for conveyor pivoting can be created, but manufacturing precision of continuous product flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is advanced in the conveying direction before pivoting begins, creating the necessary time for level switching without forming gaps between products. This preliminary belt movement provides the time buffer needed for pivoting while maintaining continuous product flow and constant product intervals, avoiding the need to vary conveying speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for portioning a flow of individual products, having the following device characteristics and method steps: at least one input-side conveying device (10) for continuously supplying individual products (P) on a plane; at least two output-side conveying devices (30; 50) for continuously discharging the products on a respective plane; wherein the planes that are each assigned to the output-side conveying devices are arranged substantially vertically above one another; wherein the input-side conveying device delivers the products to a first of the at least two output-side conveying devices during a first time period and in a continuous or batchwise manner; wherein the input-side conveying device and/or the output-side conveying devices can be adjusted, in particular swivelled, in their position in such a way that the input-side conveying device delivers the products to another of the at least two output-side conveying devices, during a second time period following the first time period and in a continuous or batchwise manner; and wherein the input-side conveying device and the output-side conveying devices, in particular in the form of revolving conveyor bands, each have conveying means (16; 36; 56), in particular in the form of front or rear ends moving in the conveying direction, said ends cooperating in such a way that, during the position adjustment phase of the input-side conveying device and/or of the output-side conveying devices, the products on the input-side conveying device can be supplied in a continuous manner and substantially at consistent distances in relation to one another.