Linear-Motor Container Transfer for Adjustable Conveyance Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container conveyance apparatuses face challenges in easily adjusting the conveyance interval of containers and require significant space due to complex adjustments and additional apparatus configurations.
Innovation Solution
A container conveyance apparatus comprising a first conveyance unit for intermittent conveyance, a second conveyance unit with an annular path and linear motor-controlled container conveyance bodies, and a third conveyance unit for rotational delivery, allowing for easy interval adjustment and reduced space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an engaging unit that circulates by linear motor is added to adjust conveyance interval, then the conveyance interval can be adjusted, but the occupied space of the apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conveyance function and interval adjustment function into a single conveyor unit. The conveyor unit includes both the conveyance mechanism and the interval adjustment mechanism integrated together, eliminating the need for separate engaging units that would occupy additional space. This integration allows the apparatus to adjust conveyance intervals while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys containers and simultaneously adjusts conveyance intervals. By making the conveyor unit universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate units for interval adjustment, thereby reducing the overall occupied space while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If adjustment operations are performed to synchronize carry-out pitch with star wheel rotation speed, then the conveyance can be synchronized, but the adjustment operation becomes very complicated when conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable partition wall that can dynamically adjust its position to control the conveyance interval. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions (such as different container sizes or production rates) by simply moving the partition wall to the appropriate position, making the adjustment operation simple and intuitive while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the partition wall position to adjust the conveyance interval. By varying the position of the movable partition wall along the conveyor path, the system can easily synchronize with different star wheel rotation speeds and container carry-out pitches without complex adjustment operations. This parameter-based adjustment simplifies the operation significantly.
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 apparatus enables easy adjustment of conveyance intervals and reduces space requirements by integrating multiple functions into a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a second conveyance unit including an annular conveyance path and a plurality of container conveyance bodies that receives the containers from the first conveyance unit and travels on the conveyance path in a predetermined direction by a linear motor
Data Source
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AI summary
A container conveyance apparatus includes: a first conveyance unit that intermittently conveys a predetermined number of blow-molded containers at a time; a second conveyance unit including an annular conveyance path and a plurality of container conveyance bodies that receives the containers from the first conveyance unit and travels on the conveyance path in a predetermined direction by a linear motor; and a third conveyance unit that sequentially receives the containers from the container conveyance bodies and rotationally conveys the containers. The second conveyance unit controls traveling of each of the container conveyance bodies by the linear motor, adjusts a conveyance interval of the containers during conveyance, and delivers the containers to the third conveyance unit.