Linear Motor Transport Device for Packaging Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring packaged items, such as blister packs, into containers and transporting filled containers are space-intensive and costly, requiring separate devices for initial and final transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a transport device with two slides and a linear motor drive, where items are conveyed to a transfer position, moved to an intermediate storage area, and then into a container, allowing for simultaneous initial and final transportation without a separate conveying device, using adaptable product holding spaces to accommodate item and container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conveying devices are used for transporting items to be packaged and for transporting filled containers, then the transportation process is reliable and stable, but the space requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function of transporting items to be packaged and transporting filled containers into a single transport device. The transport device includes a first product holding space for items and a second product holding space for containers, both moved by the same drive mechanism along a guide rail, eliminating the need for separate conveying devices while maintaining reliable transportation through coordinated movement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed to perform multiple functions: it transports items to be packaged to the transfer position, transports empty containers to the transfer position, and transports filled containers away from the transfer position. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity and space requirements while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If separate conveying devices are used for transporting items to be packaged and for transporting filled containers, then the transportation process is reliable and stable, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transportation functions into a single integrated transport device with a unified drive mechanism. The control system coordinates the movement of the first and second product holding spaces through a single controller, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable transportation through systematic control of the consolidation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device serves multiple purposes: transporting items, transporting containers, and facilitating the consolidation process. This universal design reduces the number of separate devices needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining operational reliability through coordinated multi-function operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made to accommodate different item and container sizes, then the system is adaptable to various packaging requirements, but the ease of operation decreases and additional time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable retaining elements in both the first and second product holding spaces that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different sizes of items to be packaged and containers. The retaining elements are movable along the length of the holding spaces and can be adjusted between packaging operations, providing adaptability without requiring manual structural modifications during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (the position of retaining elements) to adapt to different packaging requirements. By adjusting the position of retaining elements rather than making structural modifications, the system maintains adaptability while improving ease of operation and reducing the time required for setup changes.
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 approach reduces space requirements and costs by integrating initial and final transportation with the same device, enabling efficient and stable transfer of items into containers without manual adjustments, enhancing throughput and reducing mechanical effort.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor drive device for driving the at least two slides, wherein each of the at least two slides comprises at least one permanent magnet, which interacts with the linear motor drive device
Data Source
AI summary
In the method for transferring at least one item to be packaged into a container and for transporting the filled container onward the at least one item to be packaged is conveyed in a conveying direction to a transfer position by a linear motor transport device. The at least one item to be packaged is then moved from the transfer position to an intermediate storage area, which is arranged next to the transport device. A container is conveyed in the conveying direction to the transfer position by the linear motor transport device, and the at least one item to be packaged is moved back from the intermediate storage area to the transport device, thus filling the container. Afterwards, the filled container is moved onward in the conveying direction by the linear motor transport device.