Object Positioning Machine with Inclined Suction Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for automatically positioning objects, such as bottles, require complex and costly special transfer conveyors that need frequent maintenance, limiting their efficiency and flexibility in handling objects of different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A machine utilizing a robotic collection device and transfer fasteners with suction nozzles attached to a tilted conveyor loop, allowing objects to be rotated and transferred from a lying to an upright position without the need for complex adaptations, using a flexible band or disc-shaped transfer conveyor with suction nozzles that can handle objects of various shapes and sizes by suction alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a special transfer conveyor is used to transfer objects from lying to upright position, then the positioning function is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transfer function from a complex dedicated transfer conveyor and implements it using a simple inclined conveyor belt combined with gravitational forces. The objects are transferred from lying to upright position by the inclination angle of the conveyor belt, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transfer mechanisms while achieving the same positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transfer mechanisms with a simpler system based on gravitational forces and inclined plane geometry. The inclined conveyor belt uses gravity to naturally transition objects from horizontal to vertical orientation, substituting complex actuated mechanical systems with a passive gravitational field-based solution.
2Ease of operation
If complex transfer conveyors are used, then object positioning is achieved, but maintenance frequency and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive conveyor belt components that can be easily replaced rather than complex, expensive transfer mechanisms requiring frequent maintenance. The inclined conveyor belt system uses basic mechanical elements with long service life and low maintenance requirements, treating the system as durable rather than disposable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravitational forces to automatically position objects without requiring complex control mechanisms or frequent manual intervention. The inclined conveyor belt self-regulates the transfer process, eliminating the need for sophisticated sensors, actuators, and control systems that would require maintenance.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed-position transfer fasteners are used, then transfer precision is improved, but adaptability to different object sizes and shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the inclined conveyor belt system to universally handle objects of various sizes, shapes, and orientations. The gravitational field and inclined plane geometry provide a universal transfer mechanism that adapts to different object characteristics without requiring reconfiguration, achieving both precision and versatility through the same fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains fixed infrastructure but achieves adaptability by changing the parameters of the objects being handled - the inclined angle and gravitational forces remain constant while accommodating varying object masses, dimensions, and geometries. The system's response parameters (transfer timing, force application) naturally adjust based on object properties.
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 enhances the machine's flexibility and efficiency in positioning objects, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for the handling of thin or irregularly shaped objects without clamps, improving performance and velocity while minimizing material usage and facilitating recycling.
Implementation Method 1
each transfer fastener includes a suction nozzle, connected to a suction source, each suction nozzle defining a seat surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine for automatically positioning objects is disclosed. The machine has one inlet conveyor to transport objects in a lying position; a detector system to identify the orientation and/or shape of the objects; a robotic collection device to collect and position the objects according to information received by the detector system; a transfer conveyor having transfer fasteners arranged in fixed positions along a periphery of the transfer conveyor defining a closed loop around a tilted axis; an outlet conveyor to receive and transport the objects in an upright position; and a transfer fastener seat for the objects at each transfer fastener. The conveyor moves the fasteners seats because of the movement of the transfer conveyor between an upper receiving position, in which the object is held in a lying position, and a lower delivery position, in which the object is held in an upright position. The transfer conveyor and said outlet conveyor are synchronized.