Linkage-Driven Rotary Table Product Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional product collection apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently transferring products from a belt conveyor to a rotary table due to the need for separate driving mechanisms, leading to complex and heavy setups.
Innovation Solution
A product collection apparatus that integrates a conveyance belt and a rotary table with a linkage unit and actuator, allowing for intermittent rotation and synchronized movement, eliminating the need for dedicated actuators on the rotary table and simplifying the interlocking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate driving mechanisms are used for the belt conveyor and rotary table, then each component can be independently controlled, but the apparatus becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving mechanisms of the belt conveyor and rotary table into a single integrated actuator system. The actuator simultaneously drives both the conveyance belt and the rotary table through a linkage mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining coordinated control of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both the conveyance belt and the rotary table. This multi-functional design allows one actuator to perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate actuators, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If separate driving mechanisms are used for the belt conveyor and rotary table, then each component can be independently controlled, but the apparatus weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving mechanisms into a single actuator system that simultaneously drives both the conveyance belt and rotary table. This consolidation eliminates redundant actuators and associated mounting structures, directly reducing the overall apparatus weight while maintaining the ability to control both components.
3Productivity
If a transition unit is provided to transfer products from belt conveyor to rotary table, then product transfer is enabled, but the apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the product transfer function into the integrated actuator system. By synchronizing the motion of the conveyance belt and rotary table through the linkage mechanism, the system enables direct product transfer from the belt to the rotary table without requiring a separate transition unit, thus maintaining productivity while reducing component complexity.
4Productivity
If continuous rotation is used, then product transfer is efficient, but product contact increases causing scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic (intermittent) rotation of the rotary table synchronized with the conveyance belt motion. The rotary table rotates in discrete steps rather than continuously, allowing products to be transferred at specific intervals when the surfaces are properly aligned. This periodic action maintains transfer efficiency while minimizing unnecessary product contact and potential damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A product collection apparatus which provides a product conveyed by a conveyance belt to a rotary table to collect the product includes a conveyance belt to be rotated; a rotary table supported rotatably, linkage unit which links a driving force input unit for conveyance belt which receives driving force to rotate the conveyance belt and a driving force input unit for rotary table which receives driving force to rotate the rotary table, and an actuator which transfers the driving force to the conveyance belt and the rotary table through the linkage unit.