Conveyor Belt Sensor Layout for Container Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container feeding systems require adjustments when changing container formats, as sensors need to be repositioned to maintain accurate detection, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A container feeding system with a sensor integrated into the conveyor belt, allowing for contactless detection of containers regardless of diameter or height changes, eliminating the need for sensor repositioning and enhancing hygiene by reducing exposure to contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged laterally next to the conveyor belt, then the container can be detected, but the sensor must be repositioned when container diameter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is moved from a lateral arrangement (side of conveyor belt) to a longitudinal arrangement (on top of conveyor belt along the transport direction). This dimensional change allows the sensor to maintain consistent detection capability across different container diameters, as the sensor now detects containers from above rather than from the side, eliminating the need for repositioning when formats change.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged laterally next to the conveyor belt, then the container can be detected, but the sensor is exposed to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the lateral position where it would be exposed to contaminants and placed on top of the conveyor belt. This extraction removes the sensor from the harmful environment while maintaining its detection function, as it can still detect containers passing overhead from its new position on the conveyor belt.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is repositioned for each format change, then detection accuracy is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement on top of the conveyor belt creates a universal detection system that works for multiple container formats without requiring repositioning. The sensor's position becomes format-agnostic, allowing the system to handle different container diameters and heights with the same sensor configuration, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining detection accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures seamless format changes without sensor adjustments, maintaining detection accuracy and improving hygiene by keeping the sensor positioned consistently, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor (4) extends along a width (B) of the conveyor belt (6) running perpendicular to the length (L) of the conveyor belt (6) in such a way that the container (100) moving along the conveyor belt (6) can be detected by the sensor (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a container feeding system (1) for transporting a container (100) along a transport path (S) from a container source (9) to a container receiver (1000), comprising a movement device (19) for receiving and transporting the container (100) along the transport path (S); and a conveyor belt (6) extending along the transport path (S) with its length (L), on which conveyor belt (6) the container (100) can be moved along the transport path (S) by the movement device (19); and a sensor (4) arranged on the conveyor belt (6) for detecting the container (100). The sensor (4) extends along a width (B) of the conveyor belt (6) perpendicular to the length (L) of the conveyor belt (6) such that the container (100) moving along the transport path (6) is detectable by the sensor (4).