Friction Feeder Adjustment Plate for Packaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction feeders require lengthy setup times to precisely position the first and second friction elements, leading to potential jamming issues due to incorrect distance settings, which affects the reliable separation and conveyance of flat products at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
The first and second friction elements are arranged on a common adjustment plate that can be displaced transversely to the conveying direction, allowing simultaneous adjustment of both the first and second distances, eliminating the need for separate setting of the second distance during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first friction element and the second friction element are positioned precisely to prevent jamming, then the reliability of product separation is improved, but the setup time increases due to the need for separate adjustment of both elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first friction element and the second friction element onto a single common adjustment plate. This merging allows both friction elements to be adjusted simultaneously by moving the adjustment plate in one direction, eliminating the need for separate adjustments and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining precise positioning for reliable product separation
Solution Approach 2:
The common adjustment plate serves multiple functions: it positions both the first friction element and the second friction element, and it simultaneously adjusts both the first distance and the second distance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling precise positioning of both elements through a single adjustment mechanism, thereby reducing setup time without compromising separation reliability
2Manufacturing precision
If the first distance between the first and second friction element is set precisely, then jamming is prevented, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases due to the need for separate setting of the second distance
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both friction elements onto a common adjustment plate, the patent reduces the number of independent adjustment mechanisms needed. The single adjustment plate handles both the first distance and the second distance settings, simplifying the overall adjustment mechanism while maintaining the precision required to prevent jamming
3Productivity
If the friction elements are adjusted for high-speed operation, then productivity is improved, but the risk of jamming increases due to potential positioning errors at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The common adjustment plate ensures that both friction elements maintain their relative positions accurately during high-speed operation. By adjusting both elements simultaneously and maintaining a fixed relationship between them on the same plate, the system achieves the precision needed to prevent jamming even at high separation speeds
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 configuration significantly reduces setup times and ensures precise positioning of the friction elements, preventing jamming and ensuring smooth operation at high speeds by automatically adjusting the second distance in conjunction with the first distance, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the friction feeder.
Implementation Method 1
separate a product from a stack of flat products by friction and to transfer it between the first and second friction element in the conveying direction
Implementation Method 2
receive a product transferred between the first and the second friction element and to transfer it into the outlet area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a friction feeder (10) for singulating flat products (18), the products (18) particularly being in the form of paper, cardboard, or a multi-sided printed material, the friction feeder (10) having a frame (14) having an outlet region (20) having a feed direction (28), having a singulating region (55) comprising a first friction element (22) and a second friction element (24), and having a transport region (56) comprising a first transport element (50) and a second transport element (52), wherein the first and the second friction elements (22, 24) are spaced apart from each other by a first distance (d1) and disposed at a singulating location (57) and implemented such that one product (18) from a plurality of products (18) is captured by friction action from a magazine (16) at a lower end (26) of the magazine (16) and is fed between the first and the second friction elements in the feed direction (28) in the direction of the outlet region (20), wherein the first and the second transport elements (50, 52) are spaced apart from each other by a second distance (d2) at a transfer location (58) and are disposed and implemented such that a product (18) transferred in the direction of the outlet region (20) between the first and the second friction elements (22, 24) is received and is transferred to the outlet region (20), and wherein the first friction elements (22) and the first transport element are disposed on an adjuster plate (30), wherein the adjuster plate (30) is displaceably disposed relative to the frame (14) along an adjusting direction (32) perpendicular to the feed direction (28), so that a displacement of the adjuster plate (30) changes both the first distance (d1) and the second distance (d2).