Gravity Feeder Layout With Separate Return Path for Jam-Free Parts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining station feeders face issues with component jamming, tilting, and non-nesting, requiring multiple conveyors for uninterrupted operation, which increases space and construction requirements, and have limited buffer capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with spatially separated feed and return paths for component holders, allowing for secure, space-saving, and efficient component delivery and recycling, featuring adaptable guide tracks and support mechanisms to prevent tilting and ensure continuous availability, with options for manual or automated loading and unloading, and integrated safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drawer conveyors are arranged next to each other to maintain continuous component supply, then availability is improved, but ground surface demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple drawer conveyors to a vertical arrangement with stacked component holders on a single conveyor. This dimensional change allows multiple components to be stored vertically, maintaining continuous supply capability while dramatically reducing the ground surface area required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by stacking component holders vertically on top of each other on the same conveyor track. This allows multiple components to be nested in the vertical dimension, enabling continuous supply without requiring multiple parallel conveyors that would consume horizontal space.
2Productivity
If chain conveyors are used as feeders, then continuous operation is possible, but construction and space requirements increase and buffer function is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of continuous operation from complex chain conveyor systems and implements it using a simpler gravity-based slide mechanism. By removing the need for controlled drives and complex construction, the system achieves continuous operation with minimal space and construction effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The component holders are designed to slide automatically under gravity influence from the loading point to the unloading point without requiring external power or controlled drives. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex chain conveyor systems while maintaining continuous operation capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If components are supplied on downwardly inclined guides, then feeding is simple, but components may jam or tilt or fail to nest properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces component holders as intermediary carriers between the inclined guide and the actual components. These holders provide stable support and proper guidance for components during transport, preventing jamming, tilting, and nesting failures while maintaining the simplicity of gravity-based feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the feeding system into separate functional elements: the inclined guide for motion, the component holders for stable component support, and the unloading mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally, with component holders preventing instability issues while the guide maintains feeding simplicity.
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 feeder system ensures reliable, efficient, and continuous component supply with reduced space and construction needs, preventing jamming and tilting, and providing enhanced operational safety and ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
a worker can be used on the one hand, which converts the blank component shots of the return path to the feed path while also loads with one or more components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (1) has movable component retainers (4) for components (2), and guide paths (16, 17) for feeding and refeeding the component retainers, where the component retainers have a component guide for positioning and guiding the components. The guide paths are designed as separately arranged feeding and refeeding paths for the component retainers, where the guide paths have an inclination directed downwards in a conveying direction and an end stop. The feeding and refeeding paths have inclinations set opposite to each other, and the component retainers are transported by a force of gravity. An independent claim is also included for a component processing station with an automatic processing or handling unit.