Independently Driven Transport Elements for Product Stream Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product stream transfer devices face inefficiencies in merging or separating product flows due to limitations in transport element design and control, leading to downtimes and inefficiencies in product distribution.
Innovation Solution
A product flow transfer device with independently drivable transport elements and a linear motor system allows for flexible and efficient merging or separation of product streams by enabling transverse movement and independent control of transport elements along side sections, reducing downtimes and improving product distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional product stream transfer devices are used to merge or separate product flows, then product transfer can be achieved, but downtimes occur and efficiency is reduced due to limitations in transport element design and control
Solution Approach 1:
The transport elements are designed with independent drive mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of speed and position. Each transport element can be controlled individually to optimize the transfer process, eliminating the need for synchronized stopping and starting that causes downtime in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The product stream transfer device is divided into multiple independently controllable transport elements along the transfer path. This segmentation allows different sections to operate at different speeds and can be independently controlled to maintain continuous product flow during transfer operations, preventing downtime.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional drives and guide mechanisms are added to improve product flow control, then transfer precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transport element is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines driving and guiding capabilities in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate guide mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise control over product transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport elements possess self-guiding capabilities through their inherent design features, such as constrained movement paths and self-aligning mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional external guide mechanisms, reducing complexity while ensuring precise transfer.
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 enables continuous and efficient transfer or separation of product flows, reducing downtimes and allowing for flexible product grouping and distribution, while minimizing the need for additional drives and guide mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor system which has a stator and a plurality of independently driveable translators along at least one side section of the product flow transfer section
Implementation Method 2
the translators have permanent magnets
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proceeds from a product-stream-transfer apparatus (10a) for transferring at least a first product sub-stream (12a) and a further product sub-stream (14a) into a main product stream (16a) or for separating a main product stream into at least a first product sub-stream and a further product sub-stream along a product-stream-transfer route (18a), having a first side route (20a) with a multiplicity of transporting elements (22a) for transporting products (24a) of the first product sub-stream (12a), having at least a further side route (26a) with a multiplicity of transporting elements (22a) for transporting products (24a) of the further product sub-stream (14a), and having a main route (28a), which is adjacent to the product-stream-transfer route (18a) and is intended for transporting the products (24a) of the main product stream (16a). It is proposed for at least sub-quantities of the transporting elements (22a) to be driveable independently of one another at least along one of the side routes (20a; 26a) of the product-stream-transfer route (18a).