Discharge Conveyor Positioning for Sliced Article Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines require additional conveyors for late-stage position correction of sliced products, increasing machine length and efficiency, and lack efficient methods for automatic position adjustment without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method where the actual position of articles on the discharge unit is detected optically and automatically corrected by the conveyor system, allowing for precise positioning before reaching the end of the discharge unit, using cameras and conveyor belts with adjustable components to align slices with target positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position correction is performed at a later stage in the passage direction, then optical accessibility for camera detection is improved, but the overall length of the machine increases due to additional conveyors required
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge conveyor belt is made dynamically adjustable in its transverse position, allowing it to actively correct article positions rather than requiring fixed additional conveyors. The belt can be shifted laterally to accommodate articles that are misplaced, enabling late-stage position correction without extending the machine's overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse position parameter of the discharge conveyor belt is made variable, allowing it to adapt to different article positions. By changing the belt's lateral position dynamically, the system achieves both good optical accessibility for cameras and avoids the need for additional fixed conveyors that would increase machine length.
2Measurement precision
If position correction is performed later in the passage direction, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased machine length and additional conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge conveyor belt performs multiple functions: it not only transports articles from the cutting unit but also actively participates in position correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate correction conveyors, maintaining productivity while enabling accurate late-stage detection and correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamically adjustable discharge conveyor belt enables efficient position correction by actively shifting laterally to accommodate misplaced articles. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high productivity without requiring additional fixed conveyors that would slow down the overall process.
3Weight of moving object
If the portioning belt is kept very short, then its mass is reduced allowing quick acceleration and deceleration, but positioning flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The portioning belt is designed with dynamic position adjustability, allowing it to be shifted laterally despite its short length and low mass. This dynamic capability compensates for the limited positioning flexibility that would otherwise result from keeping the belt short for quick acceleration and deceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse position parameter of the portioning belt is made variable, allowing it to adapt to different positioning requirements. By enabling lateral adjustment of the short belt, the system maintains both the mass advantages for quick acceleration/deceleration and the positioning flexibility needed for various article corrections.
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
This approach reduces machine length and minimizes the need for additional conveyors, enhances positioning accuracy, and automates the correction process, reducing setup times and improving overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actual position of the article on the discharge unit is detected, preferably without contact, for example optically by means of a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning an article in a slicing machine having a discharge unit includes detecting actual position of the article on the discharge unit by an optical unit data-connected with a control of the slicing machine, automatically comparing the actual position with a predetermined target position by the control, and in the event of a discrepancy above a predetermined acceptance value, automatically displacing the article to the target position by a part of the discharge unit on which the article rests. A transverse position of the article is changed by moving a displacement belt of the discharge unit, and a rotational position of the article is changed by driving parts of the belt at different speeds. The displacement belt is a belt conveyor with belts controllable individually and independently of one another regarding running speed and/or deflecting pulleys displaceable individually and independently of one another in a transverse direction.