Dual Containing Units for Continuous Oblong Product Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for collecting oblong metal products require the work machine to stop each time the containing device is full, leading to wasted time and decreased productivity, and pose safety risks during unloading.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with two mobile containing devices that can exchange positions without stopping the machine, allowing continuous operation by moving one device to a delivery position while the other receives products from the machine, and vice versa, with vertical movement to avoid interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single containing device is used to collect oblong products, then the device can be simple in structure, but the work machine must stop each time the containing device is full, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation of work machineVSAvoidnumber of containing devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single containing device is divided into multiple segments (first containing device and second containing device) that can operate independently. When one device is full, the other can continue receiving products, allowing the work machine to operate continuously without stopping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous operation of the work machine by having multiple containing devices available. While one device is being filled, another can be emptied or moved, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of operation

If the containing device moves to delivery position away from the machine, then products can be picked up, but the machine must stop waiting for the device to return

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated product pickupVSAvoidmachine stoppage time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

While one containing device is moving to or at the delivery position for product pickup, the second containing device is already in position to receive products. This preliminary positioning eliminates waiting time and ensures continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second containing device acts as an intermediary buffer between the work machine and the first containing device during delivery operations, allowing the machine to continue producing while products are being picked up from the first device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple containing devices are used to enable continuous operation, then productivity increases, but the devices may interfere with each other's movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidinterference between devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The containing devices are arranged and move in different spatial dimensions or planes. This dimensional separation allows both devices to move and operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's paths, enabling continuous operation without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12151278B2Apparatus and method for collecting oblong products

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 M E P MASCH ELECTRONICS PIEGATRICI SPA

AI summary

Apparatus for collecting oblong products, preferably metal products, comprising a first containing device (11) mobile between a work position, in which it is able to receive a plurality of oblong products (P) from a working machine, and a delivery position, in which said metal products (P) are picked up. The present invention also concerns a method to collect said oblong products (P) and a plant (100) for working them.