Inclined Axis Object Rotator for Conveyor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for changing the position of objects on conveyor systems face limitations in terms of space-saving design, reliability, and the ability to achieve large turning radii, particularly when dealing with rotations beyond 90° and handling objects of varying sizes and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a carrier component that can be rotated about an inclined drive axis, with cantilevers and drivers mounted radially to maintain a suspended orientation, utilizing a drive body and running surface for torque transmission, allowing for continuous rotation and alignment of objects without additional lever arms, enabling rotations of 90° and more with a single drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lever arms are arranged on the carrier component to rotate objects, then the device can achieve rotation of objects, but the device width increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation of the drive axis from horizontal to inclined relative to the vertical. This dimensional change allows the driver to rotate objects effectively without requiring horizontal lever arms that would increase device width. The inclined drive axis enables vertical space utilization instead of horizontal space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using horizontal lever arms extending from the carrier to rotate objects (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a vertically inclined drive axis with drivers that hang downward. The rotation is achieved through the inclined axis mechanism rather than horizontal leverage, fundamentally inverting the spatial arrangement.
2Device complexity
If horizontal drive axis is used to rotate objects on conveyor belt, then rotation mechanism is simple, but rotation angle is limited to less than 90°
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of the drive axis orientation from horizontal to inclined relative to the vertical. This parameter change enables the driver to achieve rotation angles of 90° and more, overcoming the limitation of conventional horizontal drive systems while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If lever arms with stops are used to initiate rotation, then rotation control is achieved, but high loads and wear occur on mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the lever arm and stop components from the rotation control mechanism. By using the inclined drive axis with radially spaced drivers, the system achieves rotation control without the need for lever arms that create high loads and wear on mounting components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drives are used to achieve complex position changes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined drive axis with radially spaced drivers serves multiple functions: it rotates objects, changes their position, and can accommodate various rotation angles all through a single drive mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate drives while maintaining versatility.
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 solution provides a robust, space-saving design with enhanced operational reliability and a large turning radius, reducing maintenance needs and enabling precise alignment and handling of objects across a wide range of orientations and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the respective driver hangs downwards on the associated boom due to the force of gravity acting on it
Implementation Method 2
the drive body is configured to contact a portion of the cantilever and is designed to roll on a running surface of the cantilever
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for changing the position of objects that can be fed to it, in particular by means of a conveying system. For this purpose, the device (1) comprises a support component (2) which is rotatable about a drive axis (x) inclined relative to a vertical (S). Furthermore, at least one extension (4a - 4c) is provided, spaced radially apart from the drive axis (x) and connected to the support component (2), on which a suspended driver (5a - 5c) is arranged and rotatable about a rotation axis (y1 - y3). Due to the suspended mounting of the driver (5a - 5c), the rotation axis (y1 - y3) is always aligned with gravity. In this way, the driver (5a - 5c) can be lowered towards at least one of the objects and brought into contact with it, as well as raised again, by a rotation (R) of the support component (2).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a device (1) for changing the position of objects supplied to it, with which its range of application can be extended beyond the mere rotation of objects.