Transverse Drum Conveyor Pushing Unit for Rod Article Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drum conveyor systems struggle to center rod-like articles of varying lengths within flutes, as existing solutions are ineffective in aligning their centers in a common plane, particularly when dealing with articles of different lengths.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a pushing unit positioned transversely to the flute axis, with angularly positioned surfaces transferring force to slidably mounted pusher elements, and employing at least two symmetrically acting pushing units on both sides of the flute to axially shift rod-like articles, ensuring their centers are aligned in a common plane through a system of equilibrium forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single pushing unit is used to shift rod-like articles in flutes, then the structure remains simple, but the articles cannot be centered properly when their lengths vary
Solution Approach 1:
The single pushing unit is divided into two separate pushing units (first pushing unit and second pushing unit) positioned on opposite sides of the flute. Each pushing unit independently acts on rod-like articles, enabling proper centering of articles with varying lengths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing units are positioned asymmetrically relative to articles of different lengths, with each pushing unit adjustable to accommodate varying article lengths. This asymmetric positioning allows the system to adapt to different article dimensions and achieve precise centering.
2Manufacturing precision
If pushing units are positioned to center articles of different lengths, then centering precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two pushing units are rigidly connected to each other, forming a unified pushing mechanism. This merging of the two pushing units into a single rigid structure reduces the overall degree of freedom and simplifies the control system, while still achieving precise centering through the angular positioning of the pushing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing surfaces of the pushing units are positioned at an angle relative to the flute axis, introducing an angular dimension to the pushing action. This angular positioning allows the pushing units to simultaneously apply force in multiple directions, achieving both centering and positioning functions with a relatively simple mechanical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pusher elements are slidably mounted to shift articles axially, then the ability to handle varying article lengths improves, but the reliability of force transmission decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher elements serve as intermediary components between the pushing units and the rod-like articles. These pusher elements are slidably mounted within the pushing units, allowing them to adapt to varying article lengths while maintaining reliable force transmission through direct contact with the articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher elements are designed to be movable relative to the pushing units, allowing dynamic adjustment of their position according to the length of the rod-like articles. This dynamic capability ensures reliable force transmission across a range of article dimensions without compromising the pushing mechanism's integrity.
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 effectively centers rod-like articles of different lengths within the drum conveyor flutes, allowing for precise positioning without the need for precise length sorting, ensuring reliable operation and simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
pusher elements which are slidably mounted in the direction of the flute axis
Implementation Method 2
the force exerted by the pushing unit is directed on the pusher elements, then the rod-like articles or the rod-like article groups are axially shifted in the flutes by means of the pusher elements
Implementation Method 3
The rod-like articles may be held in the flutes by means of an external guiding jacket or by means of negative pressure supplied to holes made in the flute bottoms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10, 20, 30, 40) for shifting of rod-like articles (4, 4′) with different lengths or rod-like article groups (6) with different total lengths on a drum conveyor (3), comprising slidably mounted pusher elements (7, 27, 37) acting on at least one rod-like article (4, 4′) or at least one rod-like article group (6) so as to vary their position in the flute (3) of the drum conveyor (2), with the pusher elements (7, 27, 37) being 5 slidable in a direction substantially corresponding to the axis of the rod-like articles, and a pushing unit (5, 25, 35) mounted angularly relative to the pusher elements (7, 27, 37) forcing the movement of the pusher elements (7, 27, 37), whereas the pushing unit comprises rotational pushing elements for pushing against the pusher elements (7, 27, 37). The apparatus is characterized in that the pushing unit (5, 25, 35) is moveably mounted in a direction being substantially transverse to the axis of the flute (3) of the drum 10 conveyor (2) so as to shift the rod-like articles (4, 4′) or the rod-like article groups (6) inside the flute (3) of the drum conveyor (2).