Movable Hopper Support for Ergonomic Component Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering hoppers for dispensing components from containers are ergonomically challenging, requiring manual handling and disrupting the conveyor routing, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in component distribution.
Innovation Solution
A regulated dispensing device that automates the transfer of components from a tray to a hopper using a movable support system, allowing for controlled pivoting and regulation of the component flow, eliminating the need for manual handling and adapting to downstream workstation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If metering hoppers are installed at greater height to allow gravity flow of components, then component flow is improved, but operator ergonomics deteriorate requiring use of steps or equivalent to reach the hopper
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is mounted on a movable support system that can dynamically adjust its position between a raised operating position (for gravity flow) and a lowered maintenance position (for operator accessibility). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system introduces vertical movement capability, adding a dimensional aspect to the hopper positioning. The hopper can move along a vertical axis between two extreme positions, allowing optimization of either flow rate or accessibility depending on operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If manual handling is used to fill the hopper, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the movable support automatically positions the hopper for optimal gravity-fed component flow into the receptacle. Once positioned, the system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention to fill or adjust the hopper, improving productivity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the conveyor chain is raised to convey components to hopper height, then component transfer is automated, but the routing chain becomes more cumbersome and disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed conveyor chain and the hopper. Instead of modifying the conveyor routing to reach the hopper, the support moves the hopper to meet the conveyor, simplifying the routing chain while maintaining automated component transfer.
4Speed
If components are poured simultaneously onto the receiving station, then transfer speed is improved, but component damage increases due to contact during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support system enables periodic or controlled discharge of components from the hopper to the receptacle. By regulating the flow rate and timing of component discharge, the system maintains transfer speed while preventing damaging simultaneous impact through controlled, sequential component release.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for regulated distribution of components (10) contained in a tray, the distribution device including a hopper (16), a mounting (14) configured to receive and support the filled tray (100), first movement means (22, 24) configured to bring the hopper and the mounting closer together until a coupling position, and second movement means configured to pivot the assembly made up of the hopper and the mounting in coupling position between a first position in which the small opening (16a) of the hopper is located above the large opening (16b) of the hopper and a second so-called distribution position in which the small opening of the hopper is located below the large opening of the hopper, the hopper including a regulation member (32) configured to regulate the component distribution flow.