Golf Ball Packaging System With Tilt Tray And Column Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging small, spherical objects like golf balls are inefficient and prone to uneven distribution, especially when handling multiple items, as they can roll away and become unwieldy.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising a base tray with an object reservoir, an inclined column guide, a dispensing guide, and a tilt tray that allows for controlled conveyance of objects using gravitational forces and pivots to ensure uniform distribution into interchangeable containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If objects are packaged by hand, then flexibility in packaging is maintained, but packaging efficiency and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into distinct functional modules: a reservoir for holding objects, a column guide with multiple guiding columns for directing objects, and a dispensing guide for controlled release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes gravitational forces to automatically convey objects from the reservoir through the guiding columns to the dispensing guide without requiring manual intervention. Objects self-regulate their movement through the system, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators or automated control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If objects are handled individually, then precise control is achieved, but handling becomes unwieldy and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The column guide divides the flow of objects into multiple parallel streams through its guiding columns. This allows objects to be conveyed simultaneously in an organized manner, preventing them from rolling away while maintaining efficient throughput without requiring individual handling.
3Extent of automation
If objects are conveyed using mechanical actuators, then precise control is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs gravitational forces as the driving mechanism for object conveyance. Objects naturally roll or slide through the inclined column guide and are directed by the guiding columns and dispensing guide without requiring motors, sensors, or complex control systems, achieving simple automation.
4Manufacturing precision
If objects are distributed uniformly across packages, then packaging consistency is improved, but packaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column guide with its multiple guiding columns creates distinct pathways that naturally distribute objects uniformly across the dispensing guide. Objects flow through parallel channels simultaneously, achieving consistent distribution without requiring sequential placement or counting mechanisms that would slow down packaging.
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 system enables efficient, consistent packaging of uniform groups of objects, preventing them from rolling away and ensuring easy operation, allowing for bulk loading and convenient packaging of spherical items like golf balls.
Implementation Method 1
The objects are conveyed along the column guide using gravitational forces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for packaging a plurality of objects are disclosed. The system includes a base tray having a first end and a second end, an object reservoir positioned at the first end, a dispensing guide positioned at the second end, and a column guide disposed between the reservoir and the dispensing guide. The column guide is configured to convey objects from the reservoir to the dispensing guide using gravitational forces via a plurality of longitudinally extending guiding columns. A tilt tray having a front edge and a back edge is positioned above the column guide. The tilt tray has a front edge and a back edge, and is anchored to pivot between a forward-engaged position and a backward-engaged position. When the tilt tray is in the backward-engaged position, the back edge is positioned to prevent object movement along the column guide, while the front edge is positioned to allow object movement along the column guide and into the dispensing guide. When the tilt tray is in the forward-engaged position, the front edge is positioned to prevent object movement along the column guide and into the dispensing guide, while the back edge is positioned to allow objects to pass underneath the back edge. The system is sized and configured for packaging golf balls in interchangeable object containers.