Obtuse-Angle Transport Sections for Precise Packaging Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor systems struggle to create precise gaps between packaging units due to varying friction conditions, leading to slippage and increased wear, which affects the accuracy of gap formation and requires frequent belt replacement.

Innovation Solution

A transport path with adjoining transport sections forming an obtuse angle and differing conveying speeds to achieve precise spacing and acceleration of packaging units, utilizing rotating support levels and sliding elements to minimize friction and slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conveyor belts are used to create gaps between packaging units by imposing different conveying speeds, then gaps can be formed, but the gap dimensions cannot be adjusted precisely due to varying friction conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap dimension precisionVSAvoidfriction condition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sliding plane is introduced as an intermediary element between the conveying system and the packaging units. The sliding plane provides a controlled low-friction surface that allows packaging units to slide smoothly, creating precise and consistent gaps independent of conveyor belt friction variations. This mediator decouples the gap formation process from the friction-dependent conveyor belt interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If acceleration belts are used to create gaps, then packaging units can be accelerated, but slippage occurs during transitions causing increased wear on the belts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying speed variationVSAvoidbelt wear
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding plane acts as a mediator that facilitates smooth transitions between different conveying speeds. Packaging units slide on the low-friction surface rather than being dragged by friction, eliminating slippage and the associated wear on conveyor belts. The sliding plane absorbs the speed transition function without suffering from friction-based degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If friction-based acceleration is used to create gaps, then packaging units can be spaced, but push rods or push fingers cannot reliably engage between containers due to inconsistent gap dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap consistencyVSAvoidpush element engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding plane provides a consistent, low-friction surface that ensures uniform spacing of packaging units as they transition between conveyor sections. This consistency in gap formation, achieved through the mediator's stable physical properties, enables reliable engagement of push rods and push fingers with the packaging units for subsequent handling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures consistent and precise spacing of packaging units, reducing slippage and wear, allowing for seamless integration with push elements and improved handling processes.

Implementation Method 1

the friction between the containers being conveyed and the acceleration belt is greater than that between the container and the stop belt, the container is pulled along by the acceleration belt and accelerated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4582360A1Transport section and method for conveying piece goods
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 KRONES AG
  • EP4582360A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4582360A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4582360A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention discloses a transport path (14) with at least two transport sections (16, 18) adjoining one another in a conveying direction (12). The transport sections (16, 18) each provide support planes (22, 24) for piece goods (10), said support planes moving in the conveying direction (12). The support planes (22, 24) adjoin one another at least in the vicinity of a connection between the transport sections (16, 18), forming an obtuse angle with a value greater than 180°. Furthermore, the invention discloses a method (100) for conveying piece goods (10) by means of at least two transport sections (16, 18) adjoining one another in a conveying direction (12), on which transport sections (16, 18) the piece goods (10) are each conveyed on support planes (22, 24) moving in the conveying direction (12).The piece goods (10) pass from the first transport section (16) by performing a pitching movement to the second transport section (18) which adjoins the first transport section (16) and forms an obtuse angle.