Linear Motor Thrust Plate for Box Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for inserting articles, such as blister packs, into boxes are cumbersome due to complex cam mechanisms that are difficult to regulate and have many components, which complicates the insertion process, especially for articles with limited resistance to buckling.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a combination of four-bar linkages and linear motors to move a thrust plate and abutting blade in a synchronized manner, allowing for efficient insertion of articles into boxes by providing a constant upper abutment and preventing arching of articles like blister packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If cam mechanisms are used to activate the thrust plate and abutting blade, then the insertion function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to high number of components, complicated regulation, and voluminous structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cam mechanism with a parallel robotic mechanism consisting of a movable platform, linear actuators, and linkage arms. This substitution eliminates the complexity of cam profiles and multiple regulating components while maintaining the functional requirements for thrust plate and abutting blade activation, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and insertion reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel robotic mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the thrust plate, activates the abutting blade, and coordinates their synchronized movement. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate cam mechanisms for each component, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable insertion through coordinated control
2Ease of operation
If cam mechanisms are used to activate the thrust plate and abutting blade, then the insertion function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated regulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cam mechanism with a parallel robotic mechanism consisting of a movable platform, linear actuators, and linkage arms. This substitution eliminates the complexity of cam profiles and multiple regulating components while maintaining the functional requirements for thrust plate and abutting blade activation, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and insertion reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel robotic mechanism with programmable linear actuators enables automatic positioning and coordination of the thrust plate and abutting blade without manual regulation. The system self-adjusts through programmed control sequences, eliminating the need for complex manual cam profile adjustments and significantly improving ease of operation
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
This solution simplifies the insertion process by reducing the complexity of the mechanism, ensuring precise and efficient placement of articles into boxes without buckling, and allows for the handling of various types of articles, including blister packs, soft packs, and other fragile items.
Implementation Method 1
A first linear motor is borne by the fifth member, and a second linear motor is borne by the fifth member. A first rod is fixed to the first thrust plate and is moved by the first linear motor so as to move with an alternating motion in a horizontal and perpendicular direction to the advancement direction. A second rod is fixed to the first abutting blade and is moved by the second linear motor in order to move with an alternating motion in a horizontal and perpendicular direction relative to the advancement direction.
Implementation Method 2
The first member, the second member, the third member and the fourth member define a first four-bar linkage. A fifth member is hinged to the fourth member and to the second member at the third hinge axis. A sixth member is hinged to the fifth member at a fifth hinge axis. A seventh member is hinged to the sixth member at a sixth hinge axis and to the fourth member and to the third member at the fourth hinge axis. The fourth member, the fifth member, the sixth member and the seventh member define a second four-bar linkage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inserting articles into boxes has a frame positionable by a side of a first conveyor, a first thrust plat, a first abutting blade, and a first hinged member. The apparatus has second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth hinged members. First and second linear motors are borne by the fifth hinged member. A first rod fixed to the first thrust plate is moved by the first linear motor a horizontal and perpendicular direction. A second rod fixed to the first abutting blade is moved by the second linear motor in a horizontal and perpendicular direction. The first hinged member and the third hinged member are rotated to move the fifth hinged member in synchrony with the first conveyor and with a second conveyor (6), to move the first thrust plate and the first abutting blade to introduce an article into a box.