Depositor Manifold Linkage Drive for Precise Cyclic Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive mechanisms for depositor manifolds in food manufacturing and processing industries face challenges with linear actuators prone to failure and costly gear assemblies, necessitating a more reliable and cost-effective solution for cyclic motion control.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism comprising a body, a carrier member, and a drive linkage system with first and second members that receive rotary motion from separate drive members, allowing for controlled cyclic movement without complex gear assemblies, using cost-effective rotary actuators and a stabilizing system to maintain nozzle alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear actuators are used to drive the depositor manifold, then the manifold can be driven through a cyclic pattern, but the actuators are prone to failure and difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces linear actuators with a rotary actuator that drives a gear assembly. The rotary actuator converts rotational motion into the required linear cyclic motion of the depositor manifold through mechanical advantage provided by the gear assembly, eliminating the need for multiple linear actuators and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary actuator with gear assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the cyclic motion pattern, maintains synchronization with the conveyor belt, and enables easy replacement through standardized rotary actuator mounting, consolidating multiple functions into a single reliable drive mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If a gear assembly is used to convert rotary motion to cyclic motion, then the depositor manifold can be driven accurately, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage system where the rotary actuator is connected to the depositor manifold through a four-bar linkage or similar mechanical linkage. This allows the manifold to follow a predetermined cyclic path while using simpler, less expensive components compared to complex gear assemblies, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining motion precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion parameters by using a rotary actuator with variable speed control to drive the linkage system. By controlling the rotational speed and position of the rotary actuator, the system achieves precise cyclic motion patterns without requiring expensive precision gear assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the depositor manifold is moved independently of the conveyor belt, then it can follow a predetermined pathway, but the synchronization between deposition and conveyor movement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that monitors the position of the conveyor belt and adjusts the rotary actuator's motion accordingly. Sensors detect the conveyor's speed and position, and this information is fed back to the control system, which modifies the rotary actuator's operation to maintain precise synchronization, simplifying the overall control while preserving motion flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic cyclic motion of the depositor manifold that is synchronized with the periodic passage of products on the conveyor belt. The rotary actuator is controlled to complete one full cyclic cycle in synchronization with the conveyor's product spacing, creating a rhythmic, predictable motion pattern that simplifies timing and coordination without reducing adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive mechanism for a depositor manifold of a depositor system, the drive mechanism comprising: a body; a carrier member configured to carry said depositor manifold; a drive linkage system comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is arranged to receive rotary motion relative the body at a first end from a first drive member, the second member is arranged to receive rotary motion relative the carrier at a first end from a second drive member, the first and second rotary member are rotatably connected at second ends thereof, wherein a position of the carrier member relative the body is controllable to move with a cyclic movement by control of the first and second drive members.