Product Diverting Conveyor With Adjustable Inclined End
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that divide a continuous file of products between two outfeed conveyors lack flexibility, often causing impact and friction due to the use of diverting means that actively redirect products.
Innovation Solution
A device with a main conveyor and two outfeed conveyors at different heights, utilizing a linking mechanism with belts and resilient material to transfer products without active diversion, allowing for flexible distribution by adjusting the position of an inclined end portion and using a master control unit to manage the transfer cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If diverting means are used to redirect products between conveyors, then product distribution is achieved, but impact and friction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the main conveyor's end portion, which can be adjusted between different angular positions to selectively engage with either the first or second outfeed conveyor. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for active diverting means while maintaining flexible product distribution capability, thereby reducing impact and friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined end portion of the main conveyor acts as an intermediary element that passively directs products to the appropriate outfeed conveyor based on its angular position. This intermediary structure replaces active diverting means, allowing products to be distributed without experiencing impact or friction from active redirection mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If active diverting means are used to distribute products, then distribution control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically positionable end portion of the main conveyor that can be adjusted to different angular positions. This single dynamic element provides distribution control without requiring complex active diverting means, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The main conveyor's end portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a passive diversion mechanism. By adjusting its angular position, the same component enables distribution to either outfeed conveyor, eliminating the need for separate active diverting means and reducing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linking means are used to transfer products, then flexible distribution is achieved, but transfer interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The end portion of the main conveyor is designed to be continuously adjustable between angular positions, allowing seamless switching between transferring products to the first or second outfeed conveyor. This continuous adjustability eliminates transfer interruptions while maintaining flexible distribution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The main conveyor operates continuously, and its end portion can be adjusted to different angular positions without interrupting the product flow. This continuous operation ensures that products are always being transferred to one of the outfeed conveyors, maintaining productivity while enabling flexible distribution.
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 flexible and efficient distribution of products between two packaging machines without subjecting them to impact or friction, allowing for various distribution ratios and configurations without active diversion, ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surfaces presented by the belts 29 and 30 of the two conveyors 27 and 28 are faced with a layer 35 of material, for example a resilient material, covering substantially half of their developable length
Data Source
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AI summary
Products (3) advancing in single file are divided into at least two files by a device comprising a main conveyor (10) from which the products (3) of the single file (7) pass onto a first outfeed conveyor (11) and onto a second outfeed conveyor (12) positioned with infeed ends at different heights, one above the other; the device also comprises a linking conveyor (6) between the main conveyor (10) and the outfeed conveyors (11, 12), consisting in a pair of looped belts presenting outer surfaces faced along a portion of predetermined length with L-shaped elements, thereby creating a support for the transfer of products (3) to the upper outfeed conveyor (11). Products (3) which are not borne by L-shaped elements are transferred to the lower outfeed conveyor (12).