Empties Return Device Bridge Gap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing empties return devices face challenges in accurately introducing and detecting returnable items due to gaps between insertion openings and conveyor systems, leading to potential blockages and registration errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device with a web that bridges the gap between the insertion opening and the conveyor system, supported by a collar or sleeve, and equipped with an optical detection system to prevent blockages and enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gap exists between the container feed opening and the container receiving section, then the optical detection device can detect containers, but containers may become trapped in the gap causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge acts as an intermediary element between the container feed opening and the container receiving section. It provides a continuous support surface that eliminates the gap, preventing containers from becoming trapped while still allowing the optical detection device to function effectively in detecting containers as they move through the system.
2Reliability
If the bridge is made wider to support containers, then container support is improved, but the optical detection device cannot detect containers from below
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed with varying width characteristics - wider at the support sections to provide stable container support, and narrower in the detection area to allow optical detection from below. This local variation in geometric properties optimizes both container support stability and optical detection accuracy in their respective zones.
3Reliability
If the bridge obstructs the conveying path, then gap blockage is prevented, but container congestion and path blockage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed as a dynamic element that can move or adjust its position to accommodate container flow. This allows the bridge to provide support and prevent gap blockages while simultaneously maintaining an open conveying path that prevents congestion and allows efficient container movement through the system.
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
The solution effectively prevents item blockages and reduces registration errors by providing a support for empties and allowing comprehensive optical detection, ensuring accurate and efficient handling of returnable items.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection device, which is arranged in the device housing adjacent to and at least partially around the empty container feed opening in order to be able to optically detect empty containers inserted via the empty container feed opening at least substantially all around
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Empty container return device (1), comprising a device housing (3) which has a housing wall (5), an empty container insertion opening (7) which is formed in the housing wall (5) and through which empty containers (L) can be inserted into the empty container return device (1) along an insertion direction (E), a conveying system (9) which is arranged in the device housing (3) and from which empty containers (L) that have been inserted via the empty container insertion opening (7) can be conveyed away, wherein the conveying system (9) has an empty container receiving section (13) which faces the empty container insertion opening (7) and through which the empty container (L) passes from the empty container insertion opening (7) onto the conveying system (9), wherein the empty container receiving section (13) is arranged adjacent to and in the insertion direction (E) at a distance from the empty container insertion opening (7),such that a gap (15) defined by the distance exists between the empty container insertion opening (7) and the empty container receiving section (13), - an optical detection device (17) which is arranged in the device housing (3) adjacent to and at least partially around the empty container insertion opening (7) in order to be able to optically detect empty containers (L) inserted via the empty container insertion opening (7) at least substantially all around, and a bridge (19) which extends in the insertion direction (E) in an area between a lower section (21) of the empty container insertion opening (7) and the empty container receiving section (13) of the conveyor technology (9) in order to serve as a support for the empty container (L) that at least partially bridges the gap (15) in the insertion direction (E).