Dispensing Device Load Alleviation Unit for Tray Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices face difficulties in separating trays due to elastic deformation of the lowermost trays under the weight of the stack, especially when trays are closely packed, leading to delayed or impossible dispensing processes.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a load alleviation unit that includes a protruding pin meshing with a slanted track, converting rotational movement to linear movement, which lifts the upper trays, reducing the weight on the lowermost trays and preventing deformation, allowing for precise interaction with the tray edges without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the trays are stacked closely together to increase storage density, then the quantity of trays per stack is improved, but the elastic deformation of the lowermost trays increases making dispensing difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The load alleviation unit performs preliminary action by lifting the upper trays before the separation process begins. This preemptive load reduction prevents elastic deformation of the lowermost trays, ensuring they maintain their shape and edge integrity for reliable mesh engagement with the separator during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray stack is segmented into two groups: the lowermost trays that remain stationary and support the stack weight, and the upper trays that are lifted by the load alleviation unit. This segmentation allows the lower trays to maintain their structural integrity while enabling separation of the upper trays without causing deformation.
2Device complexity
If a common shaft connects the separator and lifting device as in DK177779 B1, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stack of trays may chorus during rotation of the inclined disc
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection is segmented into two independent components: the rotational axle that controls the tray divider, and the load alleviation unit with its own protruding pin and track mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the chorus problem by allowing independent control of separation and lifting functions, while still maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lowermost trays are exposed to the weight of the whole tray stack, then the structural integrity of the stack is maintained, but the elastic deformation makes the dispensing process delayed or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The load alleviation unit performs preliminary action by lifting the upper trays before separation occurs. This reduces the weight burden on the lowermost trays, preventing elastic deformation that would delay or prevent dispensing, while the lower trays continue to maintain their position and the stack's structural integrity is preserved during the process.
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
Enables reliable and efficient dispensing of trays by minimizing elastic deformation and ensuring accurate contact with tray edges, even when trays are closely packed, using a simpler and more cost-effective design compared to prior technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a protruding pin, which protruding pin goes in mesh with an around going track placed in a center part of the dispensing unit, and the track includes slanted parts in relation to the axle's center line, which center part rotates with the axle's rotation, by which rotation the first end takes two outer positions
Implementation Method 2
the lowermost part of the tray stack and especially the two lowermost trays in it are not exposed to the weight of the whole tray stack
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c
AI summary
Dispensing device (1) for dispensing of trays from a tray stack (3) in a predetermined dispensing direction (2a). It includes at least one dispensing unit (2), which includes: - a rotational axle (6) - a driving wheel (8) - a tray divider (4), which includes at least one overhang, and that there on the rotational axle (6) is additionally mounted a load alleviation unit (5), which includes a first surface (37), which load alleviates a part of the tray stack. The load alleviation unit (5) is slanted in relation to the predetermined dispensing direction (2a) with a gradient V1. The load alleviation unit's (5) first surface (37) is designed to be moved in a straight line / linearly, by which the surface (37) goes in mesh with another tray in the tray stack (3) for load alleviation of trays.