Horizontal Spout Conveyor Wheel for Compact Nozzle Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommet modules for cable assembly systems require a large space due to their wide design, limiting the compactness and efficiency of cable assembly systems, especially in fully automatic machines where quick conversion between nozzle variants is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A compact grommet module featuring a spout conveyor wheel that rotates about a horizontal axis, allowing for vertical conveyance and a narrow design, integrated with a spout container and conveyor rail, enabling efficient and reliable operation with minimal space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional grommet module with drum and vibratory conveyor is used, then grommets can be reliably conveyed and positioned, but the module requires large space and has a wide design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the conveyor wheel from a vertical arrangement (conventional) to a horizontal arrangement. The conveyor wheel rotates about a horizontal axis, conveying grommets in a horizontal plane rather than vertically. This dimensional change allows the module to achieve a narrow width while maintaining reliable grommet conveyance and positioning through the horizontal rotation and vibration mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact grommet module with horizontal axis rotation is implemented, then space requirements are reduced and narrow design is achieved, but conversion between nozzle variants must remain quick and error-free
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet module is designed as a separable, modular unit that can be easily detached and replaced. The conveyor wheel, container, and rail components are configured as discrete modules that can be quickly swapped between different nozzle variants. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration for different cable assembly tasks while maintaining the compact horizontal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal-axis conveyor mechanism serves multiple functions: it conveys grommets, positions them accurately on the rail, and can be adapted to different nozzle configurations. The universal design of the conveyor wheel and container assembly allows it to work with various grommet sizes and types, providing versatility across different cable assembly applications without requiring separate specialized mechanisms.
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 compact grommet module allows for increased variability and efficiency in cable assembly systems by reducing space requirements and enabling quick nozzle conversions, enhancing the overall performance and flexibility of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor wheel (10), which is rotatable about a rotation axis, for conveying spouts from the spout container (2) to the conveyor rail (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A nozzle module (1) comprises a nozzle container (2) for loosely receiving nozzles as bulk material, a conveying device rotatable about a pivot axis, and a conveying rail (3) extending along a longitudinal direction (20). The conveying device transports nozzles from the nozzle container (2) to the conveying rail (3). The conveying device is formed by a nozzle conveying wheel (10) whose horizontal axis of rotation (30) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (20). The nozzle conveying wheel (10) has trough-like recesses (5) to form individual chambers for nozzles.