Dual-Surface Ejector for Quiet Adaptive Product Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ejector devices are noisy, inefficient, and require multiple configurations for different products, leading to increased equipment and design complexity, especially when handling diverse product streams with varying requirements.
Innovation Solution
An ejector device with a movable guide surface and stop surface that can deflect products laterally, allowing for dual functionality by either actively pushing or passively guiding products out of the conveying path, adaptable to different products through interchangeable guide profiles and controlled movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blow nozzles are used for ejecting products, then sorting speed is improved, but noise level increases and compressed air consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic blow nozzle system with a mechanical pusher system. The pusher uses a mechanically actuated ejector element that physically contacts and pushes products off the conveyor belt, eliminating the need for compressed air and thereby reducing noise while maintaining sorting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the high-consumption blow nozzle pneumatic system with a more efficient pneumatic actuator that controls the mechanical pusher. This reduces compressed air consumption by only actuating the pusher when needed rather than continuously blowing air, while still achieving rapid product ejection
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ejectors are used for different products, then product sorting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ejector design with interchangeable profile elements that can be configured for different product types. Instead of having separate ejectors for each product, a single multi-functional ejector can handle various products by changing the profile element, thereby reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamically adjustable ejector system where the profile element can be changed or reconfigured based on the product being sorted. This dynamic adaptability allows one ejector to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple fixed ejectors, reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If pushers are used for belt clearing, then all products can be removed from conveyor, but product spacing requirements increase and sorting reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pusher to engage products before they reach the end of the conveyor belt, allowing for controlled ejection of multiple products in sequence. This preliminary positioning enables reliable belt clearing without requiring excessive product spacing, as the pusher can systematically remove products one after another
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 efficient, quiet, and adaptable sorting of diverse products without intermediate conversions, reducing equipment complexity and ensuring products are sorted without damage, while minimizing inertial forces and optimizing sorting speed and direction.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing inertial forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ejector device for the targeted sorting of products from a conveying stream, in which a movable ejector in a dual function comprises a stop surface and a guide surface with a defined guide profile, so that the ejector is suitable both for actively ejecting individual products by means of a lateral push movement and for sorting by means of the conveying movement of the products.