Lollipop Singling Plate and Gripper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines are not suitable for efficiently separating and processing lollipops due to their design, which hinders high-frequency packaging operations.
Innovation Solution
A singling equipment with a rotating singling plate and removing wheel, equipped with gripper units that can accelerate and decelerate to securely grasp lollipop sticks, ensuring precise orientation and transfer to downstream processing stations without damaging the lollipops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional packaging machine design is used, then the machine structure is simple, but it is not suitable for efficiently separating and processing lollipops
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into specialized functional modules: a singling plate with holding spaces for separating lollipops, a removing wheel with gripper units for individual lollipop extraction, and guided transfer mechanisms. Each module performs a specific task in the packaging sequence, enabling high-frequency operation through modular specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The singling plate and removing wheel rotate around parallel axes to dynamically position lollipops for separation and transfer. The gripper units pivot between open and closed positions to dynamically grasp and release lollipop sticks, enabling continuous high-speed packaging operations.
2Reliability
If lollipops are processed without specialized handling, then the device complexity is low, but the lollipops may be damaged or mispositioned
Solution Approach 1:
Gripper units with indentations serve as intermediaries between the removing wheel and lollipop sticks. The indentations conform to the stick shape to distribute gripping force evenly, preventing damage while ensuring secure handling during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper jaws feature localized indentations specifically shaped to match the lollipop stick geometry. This localized adaptation ensures reliable gripping without excessive force, protecting the stick while enabling precise handling and positioning.
3Productivity
If the removing wheel rotates at high speed, then packaging frequency increases, but the time available for lollipop pickup decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The removing units pivot relative to the removing wheel, allowing dynamic adjustment of gripper position and timing. This enables the grippers to open and close at optimal moments during the wheel's rotation, maximizing pickup time even at high rotational speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The removing wheel rotates periodically, with each removing unit following a cyclic pattern of approaching the singling plate, closing grippers to capture the lollipop stick, and transporting it downstream. This periodic motion synchronizes with the singling plate rotation to maintain high packaging frequency.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention is related to a singling equipment for a device for packaging articles (11), comprising a singling plate (1) which rotates around an axis (2) and a removing wheel (3) which rotates around an axis (5) and which comprises a plurality of removing units (6) with two grippers (7,8) for receiving and clamping the articles, whereas both grippers are pivotable around a respective gripper lever axis (9,10), each removing unit is rotable around an own pivot axis (12) and each gripper has a gripper jaw (13,14), whereas the distance between the gripper lever axis and the gripping jaw is equal at each gripper-pair and the gripper jaws are designed to grip the stick of a lollipop.