Multiplex Grouping Device Velocity Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiplex grouping devices face challenges in processing articles of diverse sizes and irregular intervals, often resulting in uneven spacing, friction issues, and limited flexibility due to complex belt systems that require multiple interconnected belts and correction mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to sensitive products.

Innovation Solution

A multiplex grouping device where each conveying means moves synchronously with the feed and discharge detectors, adjusting velocity to maintain uniform spacing between articles, using a single assembly with controllable drives and carriers that can handle articles of varying sizes and types without slipping, and allowing for flexible spacing adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If series connection of conveyor belts is used for grouping articles, then spacing adjustment is achieved, but friction between article and belt causes damage or insufficient acceleration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing uniformityVSAvoidfriction damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into multiple independent conveying means (first conveying means and second conveying means) that operate independently but are coordinated through control unit. Each conveying means has its own drive and can be controlled separately, allowing the article to be transferred between them without excessive friction while maintaining precise spacing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying means are equipped with controllable drives that can dynamically adjust their operating states (speed, acceleration, deceleration) based on the position and spacing of articles. This dynamic control allows smooth transitions between conveying means without sudden friction-induced damage, while maintaining precise spacing uniformity throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple correction belts are interconnected for large products, then geometric compatibility is improved, but device complexity and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct size compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of belts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying means are designed with adjustable and adaptable characteristics that allow them to handle various product sizes and geometries. The control unit coordinates the conveying means to work together for different product types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized correction belts for each product size while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If accumulating belt reduces speed to close gaps, then spacing uniformity is improved, but processing time increases due to idle strokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing uniformityVSAvoididle stroke time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit coordinates multiple conveying means to operate continuously and cooperatively, eliminating idle strokes. While one conveying means is transferring an article, another can be preparing for the next article, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the system. This maintains spacing uniformity without the time losses associated with idle cycles in single-belt systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Manufacturing precision

If conveyor belts are arranged in series for grouping, then spacing control is achieved, but the system requires high space requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing controlVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging conveying means strictly in series along the article transport path, the system utilizes multiple dimensions and coordinated operation. The first and second conveying means can be positioned to work in parallel or at different levels, with the control unit managing their coordination. This reduces the linear space requirement while maintaining precise spacing control through multi-dimensional coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8490775B2Multiplex grouping device

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 ELAU

AI summary

A multiplex grouping apparatus for grouping sequentially fed articles includes at least one loading station with a feed sensor, at least one unloading station with a discharge sensor and at least two conveying devices. The conveying devices include a plurality of mechanically interconnected carriers and each conveying device can be moved by a respective controllable drive, which can be activated by a central control device using a respective speed controller. Articles can be transferred onto the carriers from each loading station and articles can be transferred from the carriers into each unloading station with each conveying device, during transfer of an article from the loading station to one of the carriers, moving synchronously with the feed sensor and, during transfer of an article into the unloading station, moving synchronously with the discharge sensor. Between transfer operations, the multiplex grouping apparatus accelerates and decelerates articles so that the spacing between two articles corresponds to a dimension predetermined by the grouping.