Dual Conveyance System for Continuous Box Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box packing apparatuses experience a reduction in packing efficiency due to the box-replacement process, which requires temporary cessation or slowing of the conveyor to prevent articles from falling.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual conveyance system where one unit conveys articles and another unit, positioned downstream, retains articles during the box-replacement process, allowing continuous conveyance without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply conveyor is stopped or the distance between articles is increased during box-replacement process, then articles are prevented from dropping, but efficient conveyance of articles is hindered and packing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is divided into two independent units: a first conveyance unit that continues to convey articles and a second conveyance unit that temporarily retains articles during box replacement. This segmentation allows one unit to maintain normal operation while the other handles the replacement task, preventing conveyance interruption and maintaining packing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The second conveyance unit acts as an intermediary between the first conveyance unit and the box packing position. It receives articles from the first conveyance unit and holds them temporarily during box replacement, then feeds them into the box when ready. This intermediary role allows continuous article flow without direct interruption to the main conveyance operation.
2Productivity
If a new empty box is conveyed to the box packing position replacing the filled box, then box replacement is completed, but the conveyance process requires time and reduces packing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Articles are fed into the second conveyance unit in advance before box replacement occurs. The second conveyance unit retains these pre-positioned articles during the box replacement process, so that when the new box is ready, articles are already in position for immediate packing. This preliminary action eliminates waiting time and maintains continuous packing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A box-packing apparatus that reduces inefficiency attributable to the box-replacement process includes a first conveyance unit and a second conveyance unit. The first conveyance unit conveys articles. The second conveyance unit conveys the articles transferred from the first conveyance unit and feeds them into a box waiting downstream. When the second conveyance unit feeds a predetermined number of the articles into the box, the second conveyance unit retains the articles transferred from the first conveyance unit without feeding them into the box. Furthermore, in the box packing apparatus, the second conveyance unit may perform a back-feed operation when it retains the articles transferred from the first conveyance unit.