Grouping Device Segmentation for Delicate Product Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed packaging machines pose a risk of damaging delicate food products like biscuits due to the high dynamics and rapid movements of grouping elements, which can cause stress on both the actuators and the products.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a grouping device featuring two independently movable grouping elements that cyclically reverse their positions to form groups of products in contact with each other, reducing high-speed impacts and allowing for controlled speed adjustments to prevent product damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single grouping element moves cyclically downstream and upstream of each group of products to slow down and accelerate the products, then the products can be grouped together, but the high speeds and accelerations cause stress on the actuators and risk of damaging the products
Solution Approach 1:
The single grouping element is divided into two separate grouping elements (first grouping element and second grouping element) that move independently. Each element handles one end of the product group, allowing synchronized movement without requiring high speeds or accelerations. This segmentation reduces the harmful dynamic forces while maintaining grouping functionality.
2Productivity
If a single grouping element moves cyclically downstream and upstream of each group of products to slow down and accelerate the products, then the products can be grouped together, but the high speeds and accelerations cause stress on the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The single grouping element is divided into two separate grouping elements (first grouping element and second grouping element) that move independently. Each element handles one end of the product group, allowing synchronized movement without requiring high speeds or accelerations. This segmentation reduces the harmful dynamic forces while maintaining grouping functionality.
3Productivity
If the grouping element moves cyclically downstream and upstream of each group of products, then the products can be grouped together, but the high-speed impact may damage delicate food products
Solution Approach 1:
The single grouping element is divided into two separate grouping elements (first grouping element and second grouping element) that move independently. Each element handles one end of the product group, allowing synchronized movement without requiring high speeds or accelerations. This segmentation reduces the harmful dynamic forces while maintaining grouping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The two grouping elements move in a coordinated manner that prevents high-speed impacts before they can occur. By distributing the grouping function across two elements moving independently, the system cushioning effect is achieved through reduced dynamic forces, protecting delicate products like biscuits from damage while maintaining packaging speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~8
Figure 3~9
AI summary
An apparatus for forming groups of products (G), comprising: - a product conveyor (14) - a grouping device (16) configured to group products (P) coming from the product conveyor (14) into groups of products (G) each of which is made up of a predetermined number of products (P) placed in contact with each other, and - a group conveyor (18) configured to advance groups of products (G) along a feed direction, wherein the grouping device (16) comprises a first and a second grouping element (30, 32), cyclically movable in a coordinated manner with each other.