Modular Transport Modules with Spring-Loaded Rollers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport systems in cartoning machines are inflexible, require tool-assisted adjustments, and have long downtimes due to fixed container divisions and complex mechanical structures, limiting their ability to handle varying container sizes and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The use of support rollers with a non-positive force element that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of transport modules, coupled with spring-loaded driver cams that adjust to changing distances, enabling automatic compensation of inaccuracies and format changes without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transport modules are permanently mounted on the drive means, then the structure is simple and robust, but the adaptability to different container sizes is limited and tool-free exchange is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into modular transport modules that can be independently exchanged. Each module is a self-contained unit with rollers mounted on a carrier, allowing individual replacement without affecting other modules. This segmentation enables quick format changes while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between transport modules and guide rails is made dynamic through spring elements that allow automatic adjustment. The springs enable the modules to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and wear automatically, eliminating the need for tool-assisted adjustments while maintaining a simple structural design.
2Ease of operation
If transport modules are secured by screw connection, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly requires tools and adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The screw connection is replaced by a spring-based mechanical system. The spring elements provide continuous contact force to secure the transport modules to the guide rails, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners. This substitution enables tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliable connection through elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements automatically adjust to manufacturing tolerances and wear conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the connection force, maintaining reliability while enabling quick module exchange without tools or adjustments.
3Productivity
If the transport system has fixed division of carriers, then the structure is simple, but the productivity is limited especially with small container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed carrier division is replaced by independently exchangeable transport modules that can be configured in different quantities and arrangements. This allows the system to adapt to various container sizes and optimize transport capacity for different product types, from small containers to large cartons.
4Manufacturing precision
If adjustment is required at the start of production, then the system can be optimized for specific container sizes, but the loss of time for production restart is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements automatically compensate for manufacturing tolerances and wear, eliminating the need for manual adjustment at production start. The elastic force self-regulates to maintain optimal contact between rollers and guide rails, enabling immediate production restart without time-consuming adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-loaded to provide initial contact force that compensates for expected manufacturing tolerances. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the transport modules are properly positioned and secured without requiring post-installation adjustment, reducing production restart time.
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 enables quick and tool-free exchange of transport modules, reducing downtimes and format changeovers, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and wear, and allowing for immediate production restarts without adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force element which acts on the pairs of support rollers and generates a directed force
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 4~5
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for transporting objects along a closed transport track, comprising, as the transport track, two tubular or rod-shaped guide rails (12, 14), which are arranged parallel to and substantially vertically on top of each other. At least one transport module (10) is connected to each guide rail (12, 14) via at least one support roll pair (46, 48), wherein the rolls of each support roll pair (46, 48) can be rotated about roll axes (a) which are substantially perpendicular to a guide rail axis (x) and include an angle of less than 180º and the rolls are seated against one of the guide rails (12, 14) in a detent position. The device is equipped with a drive means which is arranged so as to rotate substantially parallel to the guide rails (12, 14) and which can be connected to the at least one transport module (10). The support roll pairs (46, 48) are non-positively seated against the guide rails (12, 14) via at least one force element (40), which acts on the support roll pairs (46, 48) and generates a directed force, and at least one of the support roll pairs (46, 48) seated against differing guide rails (12, 14) can be pushed out of the detent position with the guide rail (46, 48) against the acting direction of the force of the force element (40).