Movable Guide Element for Container Mass Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for dividing a container mass flow often result in high back pressures, leading to potential damage to containers and reduced line efficiency due to uneven filling and time-consuming refilling after downtime.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a movable, pivotable guide element and a detection system to adjust the guide element's position based on the occupancy level of the container mass flow conveyor, ensuring even distribution and reduced back pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If press-in railings with spring force are used to guide the container mass flow centrally, then distribution over outlets is improved, but container deformation and damage occur due to high back pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring force system with an optical detection and control system. Sensors detect container presence and trigger a control device that actuates the guide element, eliminating continuous mechanical pressure while maintaining distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the container mass flow and the guide element. The control device receives sensor signals and translates them into guide element positioning, eliminating direct mechanical contact and back pressure on containers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If container conveyors are kept relatively full to ensure even distribution, then distribution stability is improved, but line efficiency decreases due to time-consuming refilling after downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor container presence at conveyor outlets and send signals to the control device, which adjusts the guide element position in real-time to maintain even distribution without requiring excessive container inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the guide element dynamically adjustable based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt distribution ratios according to actual container flow conditions rather than relying on static full-conveyor configurations.
3Device complexity
If a centrally arranged wedge is used to divide the container mass flow, then distribution is simplified, but uneven filling occurs leading to high back pressures at outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static central wedge with a dynamically positionable guide element that can be adjusted in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing optimal distribution ratios that prevent outlet blockage and back pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the distribution parameter from a fixed geometric wedge angle to a dynamically adjustable guide element position controlled by sensor feedback, enabling adaptation to varying container flow conditions to maintain even outlet filling.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dividing a container mass flow may include a container mass flow conveyor having a first container mass flow outlet and a second container mass flow outlet. The apparatus has a distribution device having a movable guide element for dividing the container mass flow to the first container mass flow outlet and the second container mass flow outlet and having a drive which is drivingly connected to the movable guide element in order to move the movable guide element. A detection device is configured to detect an occupancy level of the container mass flow conveyor upstream of the distribution device. A control device is configured to operate the drive in order to move the movable guide element to a desired position depending on the detected occupancy level.