Double Conveyor Package Orientation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Container treatment systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment and positioning of containers due to inaccuracies in rotational movements, leading to errors in layer formation and bundling, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms for real-time orientation detection and correction.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a double conveyor system for simultaneous transport and rotation of containers, equipped with a monitoring device for detecting actual orientation, comparing it to a target orientation, and adjusting the conveyor speed to compensate for deviations, ensuring precise positioning through a second rotational movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rotary station is used to rotate containers, then containers can be moved into a predetermined position, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient orientation detection and correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidorientation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a monitoring device detects the actual orientation of containers, the control device compares this with the target orientation, and adjusts the rotational movement accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors and corrects orientation deviations, resolving the contradiction between achieving predetermined positioning and maintaining sufficient detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical rotation systems with a system that incorporates optical or sensor-based detection (monitoring device) and electronic control. This substitution enables precise measurement of container orientation and automated correction, transforming the mechanical positioning problem into a controlled process that achieves high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If containers are transported on a single conveyor, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inability to perform simultaneous transport and rotation efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport throughputVSAvoidconveyor system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transport system into multiple independent conveyor units (first conveyor and second conveyor) that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows different containers to be transported and rotated at the same time, increasing productivity. The control device coordinates the separate conveyor operations to maintain synchronization, achieving high throughput without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable conveyor speeds and rotational movements controlled by the control device. The conveyors can adjust their operation based on real-time monitoring of container orientation, enabling flexible and efficient transport. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize throughput by adjusting parameters without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If rotational movement is performed without real-time monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to uncompensated orientation deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer alignment precisionVSAvoidmonitoring and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a monitoring device that provides real-time feedback on container orientation during transport and rotation. The control device uses this feedback to detect deviations from the target orientation and compensates by adjusting the rotational movement. This feedback mechanism achieves high alignment precision while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts operational parameters (conveyor speed, rotational angle, rotation direction) based on monitoring data. When orientation deviations are detected, the control device changes these parameters to compensate and achieve the target orientation. This parameter adjustment approach enables high precision without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, as the system adapts through controlled parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3678964B1Device and method for orienting packages
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 KHS GMBH
  • EP3678964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3678964B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for rotating packages in a container treatment system. In order to provide a method and a device for rotating packages in a container treatment system, by way of which a particularly exact orientation of the packages into a setpoint position is made possible, it is provided that a continuous transport of a plurality of packages takes place on a transport device, a performance of a first rotational movement of the packages takes place by means of a double conveyor (8a, 8b) of the transport device, a detection of an actual orientation of a first package takes place by means of a monitoring device (11), a comparison of the actual orientation of the first package with a predefined setpoint orientation takes place, a determination of a deviation of the actual orientation from the setpoint orientation takes place, and an actuation of the transport device and performance of a second rotational movement (10a, 10b) of the first package which compensates for the deviation take place.