Gravity Guide Element for Empty Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional empties handling systems require significant space and additional transport equipment due to the need for conveyor belts that change direction, increasing system complexity and costs, when reverse vending machines are not directly aligned with sorting tables.
Innovation Solution
A variable and space-saving empties handling device with a guiding element that uses gravity to guide different types of empties through a central section with inclined edges, allowing for efficient transfer from a reverse vending machine to a sorting table via a conveyor system, reducing the need for complex and costly transport infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional conveyor belts are used to transfer empty containers between reverse vending machine and sorting table, then transport function is achieved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element merges the functions of container guidance, direction changing, and positioning into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate conveyor belts and intermediate transport equipment, directly reducing system complexity while minimizing space requirements for the transfer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate conveyor belt system from the traditional setup. By using a guide element that directly interfaces between the reverse vending machine and sorting table, the complex transport infrastructure is removed, simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If additional transport equipment is added to handle spatial constraints, then container transfer is enabled, but costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides containers from the reverse vending machine, changes their direction of travel, positions them accurately on the sorting table, and accommodates various spatial configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized transport equipment, reducing complexity while maintaining operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional setup with reverse conveyor belts is used, then container transfer between non-adjacent locations is achieved, but space and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with specific inclination angles to redirect containers vertically and horizontally. This dimensional approach allows flexible placement of the reverse vending machine relative to the sorting table without requiring additional horizontal space or complex conveyor systems.
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 solution enables a compact and efficient empties handling system that minimizes space requirements and reduces system complexity by using a guiding element with specific inclination angles to facilitate the transfer of empties from a reverse vending machine to a sorting table, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A container guide element for use in the container handling device according to the invention for guiding different types of containers (e.g., glass and plastic bottles, disposable and reusable bottles, cans, etc.) using gravity
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1e
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A container guide element (1) for guiding different types of empty containers using gravity can have: a central section (3) extending towards a gravity direction axis (S) with a central section inclination angle and having, successively in the direction of gravity, a container input area (E), a container guidance area (L) and a container output area (A), wherein the central section (3) is designed as a slide with a first and second edge side (13, 15) with respect to the gravity direction axis (S), a first guide section (5) arranged at the first or second edge side (13, 15) of the slide, extending at least along the container input area (E) and the container guidance area (L) at the edge side of the slide and having a first guide section inclination angle (α2) to the gravity direction axis (S) in order to laterally limit the slide, and a second Guide section (7),which is located on the other side of the slide, extends at least along the empty container guidance area (L) on the side of the slide and has a second guide section inclination angle (α3) to the gravity direction axis (S) in order to laterally limit the slide.