Grouped Object Transfer with Curved Pickup for Stable High-Speed Rows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving apparatuses for arranging objects in parallel and spaced rows are unsuitable for high-speed operation due to abrupt trajectory changes causing instability and object falling, and are complex and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A moving apparatus with first and second moving means to separate and transfer objects in groups, using intermittent and continuous motion, and a third moving means with a transfer element to move objects along a curvilinear path, reducing decelerations and accelerations, ensuring stability and simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the transfer element moves linearly to transfer objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, then the transfer operation is simple, but the abrupt change of trajectory causes object instability and falling at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer element motion mechanismVSAvoidobject stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer element follows a curvilinear path instead of a linear path when transferring objects between conveyors. The path includes a first curved section for entering the transfer position and a second curved section for exiting, which reduces abrupt trajectory changes and maintains object stability during high-speed transfer operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the transfer element follows a curvilinear path to reduce decelerations and accelerations, then object stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject stabilityVSAvoidtransfer element motion mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curvilinear path sections are integrated into the existing conveyor structures. The first and second curved path sections are formed by the arrangement and motion of the transfer element relative to the first and second conveyors, merging the curvature function into the existing system rather than adding separate curved guide structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer element operates in a multi-dimensional space, moving not only along the transfer direction but also in entry and exit directions that form curved paths. This dimensional approach allows the transfer element to smoothly transition between conveyors without requiring complex mechanical guidance structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the transfer element moves at constant speed, then the transfer operation is simple, but the abrupt trajectory change causes high acceleration and object instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer element motion controlVSAvoidobject transfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The curvilinear path sections allow the transfer element to maintain constant speed while gradually changing direction. The curved paths distribute the acceleration and deceleration over longer time periods, reducing peak forces on the objects even at high transfer speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4452791B1Apparatus and method for moving objects
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 AETNA GRP SPA
  • EP4452791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4452791B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4452791B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A moving apparatus (1) for objects (100) comprises first moving means (2) for moving and separating in groups (101) of a set number (N) objects (100) that are arranged aligned one behind the other and in contact along a first advancement direction (A); second moving means (3) arranged to receive said groups (101) of objects from said first moving means (2) and move them separately along a transfer direction (B) that is inclined by an angle () with respect to said first advancement direction (A); and third moving means (4) comprising at least one transfer element (10) mobile along a second advancement direction (C) that is transversal, in particular almost orthogonal, to said first advancement direction (A) and arranged to abut and pick up at least one group (101) of objects at a time from said second moving means (3) and then move along said second advancement direction (C) the group (101) of objects (100) arranged in a row.