Cylindrical Roller Distribution Device for Bulk Material Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution devices for loose bulk materials in tubular film packaging, such as cheese shavings and almond slivers, fail to evenly distribute contents due to alternating conicity of rollers, resulting in inadequate distribution, especially in the middle section of the conveyor.

Innovation Solution

A distribution device with circular cylindrical rollers arranged in alternating height positions, where the contact areas of adjacent rollers differ in height, ensuring a consistent distribution effect throughout the packaging, and incorporating rotationally driven rollers with adjustable speed and friction-enhancing coatings to promote uniform distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conical rollers arranged alternately in terms of their conicity are used, then vibration of the packaging is intended to distribute the loose bulk material, but the distribution effect is inadequate, especially in the middle section of the conveyor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution effectVSAvoidroller arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using conical rollers with alternating conicity that create varying height differences, the invention inverts the approach by using cylindrical rollers with identical dimensions but arranging their axes at different height levels. This inversion transforms the problem from varying roller geometry to fixed geometry with varying position, achieving consistent distribution effect across the entire conveyor width including the middle section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from varying the horizontal position of roller contact areas (conical rollers alternating in conicity) to varying the vertical dimension by arranging roller axes at different height levels. This dimensional change ensures that the height difference between contact areas remains constant across all rollers, providing uniform distribution effect throughout the packaging width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If alternating conicity of rollers is used, then vibration is intended to be generated, but the height difference between contact areas is smallest in the middle of the conveyor, resulting in weakest distribution effect where majority of packaging is conveyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of distributionVSAvoiddistribution force in middle section
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by ensuring that each roller position (edge or middle) receives appropriate distribution force through its specific vertical position. By arranging roller axes at different height levels, the contact areas are positioned to create optimal vibration and distribution effect locally at each position, with the middle section receiving sufficient force equal to the edge sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of roller axis height position to achieve consistent distribution effect. By varying the vertical position of roller axes rather than the horizontal position or roller geometry, the height difference parameter between contact areas is standardized across all rollers, ensuring uniform distribution force throughout the conveyor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If circular cylindrical rollers with alternating height positions are used, then consistent distribution effect is achieved throughout the packaging, but roller arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidroller axis arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the roller system into distinct groups based on their vertical positions. By dividing rollers into those with axes at different height levels, the complex arrangement is segmented into manageable patterns that can be systematically implemented, making the increased complexity more controllable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution ensures homogeneous distribution of bulk materials within the packaging, improving space efficiency by maintaining a consistent distribution effect regardless of the conveyor's width position and enhancing the distribution of materials with varying internal friction or adhesion properties.

Implementation Method 1

the surface of at least some of the rollers be provided with a friction-increasing surface coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least some of the rollers, preferably all rollers whose roller axes are arranged in the highest vertical position, are rotationally driven rollers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction-driven motion: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the contact areas of the rollers are arranged in alternating height positions... the height difference between successive rollers can vary in the conveying direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4467473A1Distribution device
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SOMI CON TRANSPORTSYST
  • EP4467473A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467473A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4467473A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for distributing loose bulk material in a bag-like packaging (V), wherein the distribution device (100) comprises a roller conveying device (102) with a plurality of rollers (104) arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction (F). According to the invention, the rollers (104) have a circular cylindrical shape, wherein at least a part (104-1) of the rollers is designed and/or arranged such that a contact area (104a-1) of the rollers (104-1), which is intended to come into contact with the packaging (V), is arranged over the entire length of these rollers (104-1) in a height position (N1') different from the height position (N2') of the contact areas (104a-2) of the remaining rollers (104-2) with respect to a height direction (H), i.e. a direction orthogonal to both the conveying direction (F) and the extension direction (B) of the roller axes (108).