Container Filling Oscillating Frame Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for filling small containers with horticultural products are inefficient due to space constraints and the complexity and cost of prior-art devices, which are designed for larger containers and result in slow processing speeds.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal conveyor system with a moving structure that inclines and rotates containers from an inclined position to a horizontal position using a U-shaped oscillating frame and blocking means, allowing for efficient filling of small containers with minimal space requirements and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If prior-art filling apparatus are used for small containers, then filling can be performed, but the apparatus requires considerable space downstream of the transporting conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the container away from the conveyor and then filling it, the invention inverts the sequence by filling the container while it is still at the conveyor output, eliminating the need for downstream movement space. The filling head is positioned to receive containers directly from the conveyor and fill them in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the filling head above the container and dispensing product vertically downward into the container. This vertical filling approach eliminates the need for horizontal downstream space that would be required for traditional side-loading filling methods.
2Speed
If prior-art filling apparatus are used, then filling operation can be performed, but the apparatus is rather slow in processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The filling apparatus is segmented into modular components: a conveyor system for container transport, a filling head with dispensing mechanism, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and adjustment, contributing to faster processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system operates continuously, bringing containers to the filling position without interruption. The filling head is designed to fill containers in a continuous sequence as they pass by, eliminating idle time between filling operations and maintaining continuous productive action.
3Ease of manufacture
If prior-art filling apparatus are used, then filling can be performed, but the apparatus is complex and costly in construction and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The filling head is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different container types and sizes by adjusting the positioning mechanism and dispensing parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized filling machines, reducing overall construction cost while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates automatic container positioning and product dispensing controls that require minimal operator intervention. The system self-regulates the filling process, adjusting parameters automatically based on container detection, which reduces operational complexity and cost while maintaining high filling capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for filling containers with horticultural products, built and operating in such a manner as to utilize at least one horizontal transporting conveyor (1), a moving structure arranged at the output edge of said conveyor and provided with displacement and engagement means to incline said containers, through a partial rotation, from a first inclined position with respect to the horizontal plane, in which the mouth of the container remains contiguous with the output edge of the conveyor, and subsequent working positions in which the same container moves progressively through less inclined positions until it returns to the normal horizontal position. Said mobile structure includes a U-shaped oscillating frame (10) whose open side is designed to position itself in front of said output edge of the transporting conveyor (1), and blocking means being e.g. typically shaped jaws (12,13), supported by said oscillating frame (10) and suitable to selectively engage and disengage the outer perimeter of the container (20), so as to initially cause the container to rotate to a predetermined inclination, and subsequently return in reverse rotation to the normal position, in which the container is released and removed.