Electromagnetic Linear Conveyor for Packaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment systems face challenges in maintaining aligned orientation of containers post-treatment, leading to inefficiencies in subsequent processing steps due to constant rotational speed, which limits output and requires buffer devices to compensate.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic linear conveyor is introduced downstream of the container treatment system, allowing individual control of moving elements' speeds and enabling decoupling from the constant rotational speed, with diverting star wheels and adjustable lane belts to form compact container groups, and inspection devices for quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a constant rotational speed is used in the container treatment system, then the system operation is simplified, but the productivity is limited and requires buffer devices to compensate for speed mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the constant rotational speed system with a variable speed control system. The container treatment system's rotational speed can now be dynamically adjusted to match the downstream packaging line's requirements, eliminating the need for buffer devices and increasing overall productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter from fixed to variable. By enabling continuous adjustment of the rotational speed in the container treatment system, it can adapt to different packaging requirements and downstream line speeds, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity through parameter flexibility
2Productivity
If buffer devices are added to compensate for speed mismatches, then the productivity is maintained, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for buffer devices by implementing variable speed control in the container treatment system. Instead of adding buffer equipment to handle speed mismatches, the solution removes the mismatch itself through speed adaptability, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity and space requirements
3Productivity
If containers are not aligned after treatment, then the transport is simpler, but the subsequent processing efficiency decreases due to re-alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing an alignment mechanism in the container treatment system that ensures containers are properly oriented before they leave the treatment system. This preliminary alignment prevents the need for re-alignment in subsequent processing steps, thereby improving overall processing efficiency without requiring complex re-alignment equipment downstream
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
This solution allows for flexible speed control and alignment of containers, improving the efficiency of packaging processes by decoupling subsequent steps from the container treatment system's speed, enhancing output and reducing energy costs associated with film shrinking.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic linear conveyor (7) is connected downstream of the container treatment system (4), on which moving elements (8) are arranged in a circumferential manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing multipacks (2) with containers (3), wherein a stream of containers, after passing a container-handling installation (4), is converted into a plurality of single-track streams of containers by being divided along separate passages, wherein the containers (3) are set down on passage belts (5), and with at least one compactor unit (10) for compacting a predetermined number of containers (3), and therefore compacted or shaped container groups or partial multipacks are formed and then combined in each case to form a subsequent multipack (2). It is proposed that the container-handling installation (4) have arranged downstream of it an electromagnetic linear transporter (5), on which movement elements (8) are arranged in a circulating manner, wherein the electromagnetic linear transporter (7) has arranged downstream of it at least one star-shaped discharge conveyor (9), onto which the containers (3) are transferred and, from here, set down onto the passage belts (5).