Separated Axial Radial Support Guide Device for Sausage Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices for sausage-shaped products face challenges in safely transferring and transporting suspension elements due to limitations in controlling piston movement with conveyor speed and production rate, leading to restricted maximum production rates.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with separate radial and axial support units, featuring longitudinally extending guide means and conveyor elements, including endless chain conveyors and pusher elements, to securely support and guide suspension elements, allowing for adjustable support surfaces and flexible length configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pistons are used to laterally engage and hold the sword in position, then the guide device can support the suspension element, but the complex control of piston movement coordinates with conveyor speed limits the maximum production rate
Solution Approach 1:
The support means are divided into a first support unit for radial support and a second support unit for axial support. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for complex coordinated control of multiple pistons while maintaining reliable support of the suspension element throughout the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means are designed to be movable along the radial direction, allowing dynamic adaptation to the suspension element while simplifying the control mechanism. The conveyor elements can engage and disengage from the guide means without requiring precise coordination, enabling higher production rates while maintaining safety.
2Productivity
If the guide device uses a fixed configuration, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different production rates and conveyor speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are designed with movable capability along the radial direction, allowing the guide device to adapt to different production rates and conveyor speeds. This dynamic configuration enables adjustment without requiring complex control systems, as the movable guide means can naturally accommodate varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure allows for variable engagement of conveyor elements with the guide means, enabling parameter changes in speed and position. The conveyor elements can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the guide means to match different production requirements, providing flexibility without increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the guide means are fixed in position, then the radial support is stable, but the suspension element cannot pass through freely during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are designed to be movable along the radial direction, allowing them to shift position to permit free passage of the suspension element during transfer. This dynamic capability maintains radial support stability when needed while enabling unrestricted movement when the suspension element requires passage, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a guide device for guiding a suspension element, like a loop, being attached to one end of a sausage-shaped product, like a sausage, from a first apparatus, like an apparatus for producing sausage-shaped products, in a guide direction (D) to a second apparatus, like a handling device for said sausage-shaped products. The guide device (1) comprises a guide unit (20) for guiding the suspension element and support means (100, 200, 300) for radially and axially supporting the guide unit (20). According to the present invention, the support means (100, 200, 300) comprise a first support unit (100) and a second support unit (200) for a functional separation of the axial support and the radial support of the guide unit (20).