Magnetic Storage Device for Drinks Dispensing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices in bottling plants lack flexibility in adjusting intermediate storage capacity, requiring complex and energy-intensive configurations to manage container transport efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The storage device allows for independent speed control of runners, uses magnetic forces for movement, and incorporates switch points and a deflection mechanism to dynamically adjust buffer flow length, enabling flexible and energy-efficient intermediate storage capacity management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the intermediate storage capacity is increased by adding more runners or extending the buffer stream, then the storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermediate storage capacityVSAvoidbuffer stream configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed control of runners through individual speed regulation means, allowing the buffer stream to adapt its capacity dynamically. By controlling the speed of each runner independently, the system can adjust the intermediate storage capacity without physically reconfiguring the buffer stream, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the buffer stream length is extended to increase storage capacity, then the intermediate storage capacity is improved, but the space usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermediate storage capacityVSAvoidspace usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical space by arranging runners to move in different levels and directions, including upward and downward movements. This three-dimensional configuration allows the buffer stream to achieve extended storage capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and space usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If fixed-speed runners are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying production requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control systemVSAvoidbuffer storage capacity adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements variable speed control for runners through individual speed regulation means, allowing the system to adapt to different production requirements by changing the speed parameter. This enables dynamic adjustment of intermediate storage capacity without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If runners are moved using traditional mechanical drives, then the reliability is maintained, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunner transport reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive systems with magnetic field-based actuation for runners. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission components, reducing energy losses and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliable transport, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for flexible and efficient adjustment of storage capacity, reduces energy consumption, minimizes downtime due to easy replacement of defective runners, and optimizes space usage, while maintaining high operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

first magnetic force application means (17) are present in order to bring the runners (3) into the buffer flow (10) and/or to move them therein by means of the action of magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

second magnetic force application means (18) are present and designed to change the position of the carriage (12) by means of magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2554499B1Storage device for a dispensing assembly and drinks dispensing assembly with such a storage device
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 KRONES AG
  • EP2554499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2554499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2554499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has an insertion device (5) for inserting runners (3) independently of each other from a storage area (6) into a buffer stream (10). The buffer stream changes variable intermediate storage capacity of the runners. A control device controls speed of the runners. A magnetic force application device inserts and moves the runners into the buffer stream by magnetic force application of the runners. The runners transport a container. A deflection device (11) determines length of the buffer stream and includes a slide that is provided with variable distance to the insertion device.