Conveyor Belt Position Synchronization via Virtual Master Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for arranging articles on conveyor belts, such as those in the beverage industry, are limited in adapting the position and distance of articles on a single conveyor belt to match the requirements of a downstream production facility, and often require multiple parallel belts, which is not suitable for all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single transport track with a control unit and detection means to adjust the speed and acceleration of the conveyor belt based on a virtual master axis, allowing for precise alignment and spacing of articles, even when changing product sizes or production facility requirements, without comparing positions between parallel tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple parallel conveyor belts are used to synchronize article positions, then position synchronization between parallel rows is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability to single conveyor belt scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the reference conveyor belt's master axis on the adjustable conveyor belt. Instead of requiring physical parallel belts for comparison, the system generates virtual position markers on the adjustable belt that correspond to the master axis positions, allowing position synchronization through virtual reference rather than physical duplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical conveyor belts with an electronic/virtual system. The control unit generates virtual position markers and uses electronic signals to regulate the adjustable conveyor belt's speed, substituting mechanical parallel belt structures with electronic control and virtual reference systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of articles is adjusted relative to downstream production equipment, then adaptability to production facility requirements is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conveyor belt's speed dynamic and adjustable in real-time. The control unit continuously regulates the speed of the adjustable conveyor belt based on detected position deviations, allowing the system to adapt to different production requirements while maintaining simple overall structure through automated dynamic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where detection means measure the actual position of articles, the control unit compares these positions with target positions from the virtual master axis, and adjusts the conveyor belt speed accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism enables adaptability without requiring complex manual control systems
3Device complexity
If a virtual master axis is used instead of comparing parallel tracks, then device complexity is reduced and single conveyor belt operation is enabled, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines the virtual master axis with target positions for articles before the actual positioning process begins. By establishing the reference framework in advance, the system simplifies the control task to merely achieving these predetermined positions, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining precision requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for transporting articles (10) and to a method for arranging articles. The articles (10) are conveyed in a transport direction (TR) on at least one transport track (2). Here, a defined spacing (G) is formed between articles (10) which follow one another within the at least one transport track (2). The at least one transport track (2) comprises a first transport unit (3), a second transport unit (4) which adjoins the first transport unit (3) in the transport direction (TR) of the articles (10), and a control unit (6). The control unit (6) comprises information with respect to a master axis (7), wherein the master axis (7) defines the arrangement of the articles (10) in a region of the second transport unit (4). Furthermore, the device (1) comprises at least one detection means (9) for detecting an actual position (PIST) of at least one article (10) on the transport track (2), wherein a deviation (D) of the actual position (PIST) of the article (10) from a setpoint position (PSOLL) which is predetermined by the master axis (7) can be calculated by the control unit (6). The velocity and/or acceleration of the first transport unit (3) are/is regulated by the control unit (6) on the basis of a calculated deviation (D) between the actual position (PIST) and the setpoint position (PSOLL).