Egg Packaging Device With Parallel Collector Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging devices for round articles, such as eggs or fruit, have limited capacity in terms of the number of articles they can handle efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The packaging device incorporates a supply conveyor, a package conveyor, a filling buffer with parallel sub-buffers, a collector with moveable collector rows, and a setter with moveable pockets, allowing for independent or coupled movement of collector and setter rows to increase packing efficiency and throughput by aligning with sub-buffers and discharging articles into package pockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single collector row and single setter row are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collector is divided into multiple independent collector rows (at least two), and the setter is divided into multiple independent setter rows. Each collector row can independently receive articles from the filling buffer and transfer them to corresponding setter rows, enabling parallel processing and increasing packaging capacity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second dimension of parallelism by adding multiple collector rows and setter rows that operate simultaneously. This dimensional expansion from single-row to multi-row configuration allows the system to handle multiple articles in parallel, significantly boosting productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
2Productivity
If collector rows move independently to different sub-buffers, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector rows are designed to be movable along the Y-axis, allowing dynamic repositioning to align with different sub-buffers. This dynamic capability enables flexible article collection from multiple buffer locations and transfer to appropriate setter rows, optimizing handling rate while the movement mechanism remains integrated and controllable
Solution Approach 2:
Each collector row serves multiple functions: receiving articles from various sub-buffers, transporting them horizontally, and delivering to different setter rows. This multi-functionality increases productivity by consolidating multiple operations into single movable components, reducing the need for separate fixed mechanisms for each function
3Productivity
If multiple collector rows and setter rows are used, then the productivity increases, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and coordinate the positions and operations of multiple collector rows and setter rows. This feedback control ensures proper synchronization between article collection, transfer, and placement operations, maintaining ease of operation despite the increased number of moving components and enabling high packaging throughput
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging device (1) for packaging substantially round articles into a dimpled package (100) having an array of pockets to receive the round articles. The packaging device comprising a supply conveyor (2) for the articles and a package conveyor (15) located below the supply conveyor for conveying the packages. A filling buffer (4) is located between the supply conveyor and the package conveyor having multiple sub-buffers (5). The device furthermore comprises a collector (8) for receiving articles from the buffer, and a setter (12) wherein, in use, the setter reciprocates between an upper position to a lower position, wherein in the upper position the articles can be received from the collector and in the lower position the articles can be discharged into the pockets of the package. The collector comprises a plurality of collector rows, wherein the collector is configured and arranged to move each one of the plurality of collector rows back and forth underneath the filling buffer to a position under any one of the sub-buffers for receiving articles from the lowest row thereof, and to move back and forth with filled pockets to a position above the setter to discharge the articles into the setter.