FIFO Belt Buffer Layout for Low-Slip Product Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt buffers in production lines operate on a first-in last-out principle, leading to prolonged storage times, product quality issues, and increased risk of slipping due to inclined and reversible operation, which is inefficient and unsafe for food products.
Innovation Solution
A belt buffer system with vertically arranged buffer belts, each equipped with pivotable deflectors, allowing for first-in first-out operation, flexible integration into the production line, and horizontal operation to minimize product slipping, ensuring timely processing and product safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If belt buffers operate on first-in last-out principle with inclined and reversible operation, then buffer capacity is achieved, but product quality deteriorates due to prolonged storage times and slipping risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional first-in last-out operation to first-in first-out operation. The buffer belts are arranged horizontally instead of inclined, and operate in a single direction rather than reversibly. This inversion eliminates prolonged storage times and slipping risks while maintaining buffer capacity through the vertical stacking of multiple horizontal belts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from inclined belt operation to horizontal belt operation by adding a vertical dimension. Multiple buffer belts are stacked vertically one above the other, allowing the system to maintain buffer capacity through vertical arrangement while each individual belt operates horizontally to prevent product slipping.
2Productivity
If belt buffers use inclined and reversible operation, then overflow absorption is achieved, but product safety deteriorates due to increased slipping risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the operational mode from inclined and reversible to horizontal and unidirectional. This eliminates the slipping hazard inherent in inclined operation while maintaining the ability to absorb overflow through the vertical stacking of multiple horizontal belts that can independently control product flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the buffer system into multiple separate horizontal belts stacked vertically. Each belt segment operates independently in a horizontal plane, allowing overflow absorption through vertical layering while eliminating the slipping risk associated with inclined single-belt designs.
3Productivity
If multiple packaging lines are used to maintain production capacity, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple series-connected machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer system as an intermediary between the production line and packaging lines. This intermediary absorbs overflow and decouples the production rate from packaging rate, allowing multiple packaging lines to operate independently without creating complex interdependencies, thereby simplifying the overall system control.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a belt buffer for a product conveying device which conveys products (13) from a production facility by means of conveyor belts (1, 2) to at least one further processing facility. The belt buffer has at least two buffer belts, which store products (13) and are arranged vertically one above the other. The buffer belts have, on the inlet side, a first vertically pivotable belt deflector (5) for optionally connecting to an inlet belt (3) and, on the outlet side, a second vertically pivotable belt deflector (6) for optionally connecting to an outlet belt (4). The belt buffer can convey the products (13) through the buffer in a first-in first-out process.