Modular Compactor Arrangement with Anti-Encroachment Guards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing empty-container return systems face challenges in efficiently compacting and sorting various types of vessels, such as single-use and reusable containers, to optimize space usage and logistics, particularly in the food industry, where different materials and conditions require distinct handling.

Innovation Solution

A modular compactor arrangement with a selection device and anti-encroachment guard structures, allowing for multiple operating modes, enables the sorting and compacting of empty containers based on type and material, using a combination of transport devices and function modules that can be selectively operated to handle different container types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular function module arrangement is used to handle different container types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different container typesVSAvoidmodular function module arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular function modules (first function module, second function module, etc.) that can be independently selected and arranged. Each module performs a specific function in the container handling process, allowing the system to be configured for different container types without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular function modules are designed to be universally applicable across different container types (single-use and reusable vessels). The same module architecture can handle various materials and conditions by simply reconfiguring which modules are activated, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely separate systems for each container type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If anti-encroachment guard structures are added to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of operationVSAvoidguard structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guard structure is segmented into multiple parts (first anti-encroachment guard, second anti-encroachment guard, third anti-encroachment guard) positioned at different locations. Each guard segment protects a specific zone, and they work together to provide comprehensive safety coverage without requiring a single complex guard system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If selective sorting and compacting is implemented for different container types, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting and compacting efficiencyVSAvoidselection device and function modules

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting and compacting process is divided into separate functional stages handled by different modules. The selection device identifies container types, then directs them to appropriate function modules for specific handling. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different container types, improving overall productivity while keeping each individual module relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating modes are provided for different materials and conditions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of different materials and conditionsVSAvoidoperation of multiple modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the container type and material properties, then self-configures which function modules to activate and how to operate them. The selection device and control system work together to automatically select the appropriate operating mode without requiring manual intervention or complex user decisions, making the system easy to operate despite its multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11951705B2Compactor arrangement and method for operating a compactor arrangement

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH

AI summary

A compactor arrangement (202) includes a compactor; an empty-container transport device for transporting empty containers in the compactor arrangement in a transport region above the empty-container transport device; a first anti-encroachment guard structure which laterally delimits the transport region and which is provided between the transport region and the compactor, wherein the first anti-encroachment guard structure defines a feed region through which empty containers can be fed laterally out of the transport region to the compactor; and a guard device having a second anti-encroachment guard structure which is configured such that, selectively, an encroachment from the direction of the transport region into the feed region can be prevented.