Modular Receiving Elements for Tobacco Conveyor Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor devices in the tobacco processing industry face significant challenges in adapting to articles of different formats and diameters, leading to high effort, long downtimes, and increased costs due to the need for extensive modifications.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device with exchangeable format-dependent receiving elements that can be easily attached and positioned on a movable conveyor body, allowing for quick format changes and maintenance, utilizing fastening and connecting means for precise alignment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveyor device uses a fixed receiving structure integrated into the movable body, then the structural stability and reliability are improved, but the adaptability to different article formats and the ease of modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure is divided into separate receiving elements that can be independently attached to the movable body. Each receiving element can be customized for specific article formats while the overall structure remains stable through standardized attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving structure transitions from a fixed integrated design to a dynamic configurable system where receiving elements can be added, removed, or repositioned based on the article format requirements, allowing the system to adapt while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mounting points.
2Ease of manufacture
If the conveyor device uses a fixed receiving structure integrated into the movable body, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of modification and downtime for format changes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure is segmented into modular receiving elements that can be manufactured separately and attached to the movable body. This allows the main conveyor body to be manufactured once with standardized attachment points, while receiving elements can be quickly swapped without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable body is pre-equipped with standardized attachment points and positioning elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables rapid exchange of receiving elements later without requiring complex assembly operations or extensive downtime for format changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor device uses exchangeable receiving elements with fastening means, then the adaptability to different formats is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure is segmented into standardized modular elements with uniform attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for format adaptability through element selection and arrangement, while the standardized nature of the components prevents excessive complexity by reusing the same attachment and positioning features across different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means and positioning elements are designed as universal components that work with all receiving elements regardless of the specific format. This multi-functionality allows the same attachment mechanism to serve multiple purposes across different article formats, reducing overall system complexity despite the adaptability benefits.
4Loss of substance
If the conveyor device uses exchangeable receiving elements, then the material requirements and costs for format changes are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure is segmented into separate receiving elements that can be manufactured from smaller amounts of material compared to a complete fixed structure. The standardized attachment points and positioning elements enable precise alignment through mechanical features such as pins, slots, or keyed connections, achieving the required positioning precision without excessive material usage.
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
Enables rapid format and diameter changes with reduced material requirements, shorter downtimes, and lower costs, while maintaining compatibility with existing machines in the tobacco processing industry.
Implementation Method 1
the articles to be conveyed are sucked towards the outside of the movable body of the conveyor device by a negative pressure formed in the receiving sections
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
The device has a receiving element (10) provided with an outer side at which a receiving portion is formed. A conveyor is located on an inner side with which the receiving element is provided on an outer side (2a) of a movable body (2). A fastening unit is adapted for releasably securing the receiving element on the outer side of the body. A position-defining element is attached to the receiving element and is formed for engagement with the body of the conveyor. A projection is formed on the receiving element for engagement with a fitting recess (14) in the body of the conveyor.