Flow-Regulating Can Conveyance With Vision-Based Track Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conveyance systems in can manufacturing lines waste energy and cause can damage due to inefficient flow regulation, leading to collisions and jams when machines operate at reduced capacity.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulating conveyance system with a vision system to monitor pack density and can diameter, a control system to adjust track width and speed, and an actuation mechanism to manage air ports, optimizing conveyance flow based on real-time data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional air conveyance systems are used with fixed track width and speed, then the system is simple to operate, but it causes can damage and wastes energy when machines operate at reduced capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system transitions from fixed track width and speed to dynamically adjustable parameters. The track width is可变 through actuation mechanisms that move track rails, and speed is controlled by adjusting air flow rates. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying production capacities, preventing can collisions and damage while optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect can density, position, and flow conditions, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of track width and air flow rates to maintain optimal conveyance conditions, preventing can damage and reducing energy waste when production capacity changes.
2Device complexity
If conventional air conveyance systems operate at fixed capacity, then the system requires minimal adjustment, but it wastes energy when production capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable track width through actuated track rails and adjustable air flow rates to match production capacity. When capacity is reduced, the system automatically narrows the track width and reduces air flow, preventing energy waste while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including track width and air flow rate to accommodate varying production capacities. These parameter adjustments are made through automated mechanisms that respond to production demands, reducing energy consumption when operating at reduced capacity without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Device complexity
If fixed conveyance parameters are used, then the system structure is simple, but it causes collisions and jams when machines operate at reduced capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed track width with adjustable track rails that can be actuated to different positions. This dynamic structure prevents can collisions by maintaining appropriate spacing, thereby improving production reliability without excessively complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect can density and position in real-time, providing feedback to control mechanisms that adjust track width and conveyance speed. This feedback loop prevents collisions and jams, enhancing production reliability while keeping the system structure relatively simple through automated control.
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
Reduces can damage, conserves energy, and minimizes production downtime by dynamically adjusting conveyance parameters to match production demands.
Implementation Method 1
a platform having a conveyance surface including a plurality of air ports
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulating conveyance system for use in a can manufacturing production line includes: a flow regulating conveyor structured to convey cans along a conveying path and including a platform having a conveyance surface including a plurality of air ports, two track rails transversely-spaced-apart and extending along the conveying path to form a conveying track therebetween, an actuation mechanism structured to adjust the track rails in a transverse direction, and a underlayer disposed below the conveyance surface and structured to block air ports disposed outside of the conveying track; a vision system structured to monitor pack density and can body diameter of cans on the conveying path; and a control system coupled to a conveyance flow actuator, the flow regulating conveyor and the vision system, the control system being structured to control conveyance flow and width of the conveying track based on the conveyance data.