Conveyor Support Strips for Stable Mixed Packaging Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging machines and conveyor systems are optimized for specific types, sizes, and contours of goods, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions when switching between different container and packaging types, particularly when transporting items with insufficient base areas or heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A transport line with a horizontal conveyor device that can switch between operating modes, using a support plane formed by parallel support areas and an insertable detachable support strip to accommodate different sizes and types of goods, ensuring stable transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is optimized for a specific type and size of goods, then transport efficiency and stability are improved, but adaptability to different product variants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates movable support areas that can be dynamically repositioned along the conveying direction. The support areas are no longer fixed but can be adjusted to accommodate different product sizes and types, allowing the same conveyor to efficiently handle various goods without requiring complete system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed with universal support structures that can function with multiple product types. The support areas can be repositioned to create different support configurations, enabling a single conveyor system to serve multiple product variants while maintaining transport efficiency and stability for each specific product type
2Adaptability or versatility
If support areas are spaced apart to accommodate larger goods, then versatility is improved, but stability of transport for items with insufficient base area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support areas are designed to be movable and repositionable along the conveying direction. When transporting items with insufficient base area, the support areas can be moved closer together to provide adequate support and prevent instability. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability while still accommodating various product sizes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor system is modified for different product variants, then adaptability is improved, but disruption in transport and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support areas can be quickly repositioned along the conveying direction to match different product variants. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the conveyor to adapt to new product types with minimal disruption to transport operations, maintaining productivity while improving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for preliminary positioning and adjustment of support areas before product changes occur. By having the support areas pre-configurable and easily repositionable, the system can prepare for product variant changes without causing significant transport disruptions or productivity losses
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed for modifying a transport path (10) comprising at least one horizontal conveyor device (12) that can be converted for at least two different operating modes (M1, M2, M3). In a first operating mode (M1), the horizontal conveyor device (12) provides a support plane (14) moving in a conveying direction (18) for transporting piece goods (16) or packaging units of a first size or a first type. The support plane (14) is formed by at least two parallel and spaced-apart support regions (20) for supporting and conveying the piece goods (16) or packaging units of the first size or the first type.In a second operating mode (M2) of the horizontal conveyor (12), a detachable support strip (46) is inserted into an intermediate space (44) between the at least two parallel and spaced-apart support areas (20) for transporting piece goods (16) or packaging units of a second size or a second type. The detachable support strip (46) is located approximately at the same height as the support plane (14) moving in the conveying direction (18). Furthermore, such a transport path (10) is disclosed, the horizontal conveyor (12) of which can be operated in at least two operating modes.