Dual Shutter Article Dropping Apparatus Preventing Flexible Sheet Deformation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing article dropping apparatuses deform flexible articles like wrapping sheets for gyoza when dropped, reducing their commercial value due to concave deformation during the dropping process.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a dual shutter system with conveyor belts that apply forces in opposite directions to prevent deformation by supporting the articles between them, minimizing space and using aseptic gas injection to prevent sticking, ensuring the articles are dropped without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If stacked articles are dropped from the shutter device, then the articles can be transferred to the container, but the articles may be deformed or flexed such that their central portions are concaved downward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle transfer efficiencyVSAvoidarticle deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belts apply forces to the articles in advance, before the dropping action, to maintain them in a flat state. The first conveyor belt applies a first force and the second conveyor belt applies a second force to the article, preventing deformation before the drop occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belts act as intermediary elements between the shutter device and the container. Instead of directly dropping the article from the shutter, the conveyor belts mediate the transfer process by supporting the article and applying forces to maintain its shape during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the shutter device is used to drop stacked articles, then the stacked state can be maintained, but the articles may still be deformed during the dropping process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacked state maintenanceVSAvoidarticle shape precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belts apply forces to the articles in advance, before the dropping action, to maintain them in a flat state. The first conveyor belt applies a first force and the second conveyor belt applies a second force to the article, preventing deformation before the drop occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belts act as intermediary elements between the shutter device and the container. Instead of directly dropping the article from the shutter, the conveyor belts mediate the transfer process by supporting the article and applying forces to maintain its shape during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9132972B2Article dropping apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 YUTAKA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An article dropping apparatus may include a first shutter and a second shutter. A first movable member is movable relative to the first shutter. A second movable member is movable relative to the second shutter. An article may be supported by the first shutter and the second shutter to extend therebetween when the first shutter and the second shutter are positioned at closed positions. The first movable member and the second movable member may apply forces in opposite directions away from each other so that as the first and second shutters move from closed positions to open positions.