Oscillating Arm Transfer Device for Confectionery Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer devices for confectionery products in wrapping machines are structurally and functionally complex, limiting high operating speeds and requiring complex orientations that increase overall operating times.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with an oscillating arm and rotatable orientation member, featuring a gripper with lever members and resilient means, allows for axial rotation of products from a pickup to a release position, optimizing orientation and reducing operational times by simplifying the construction and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex transfer means with multiple rotation axes are used to orient products, then product orientation is achieved, but device complexity increases and operating speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct orientationVSAvoidtransfer means structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is divided into functionally independent modules: an oscillating arm for vertical transfer motion and a separate orientation member for rotational orientation. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function with simple mechanics, avoiding the need for complex integrated mechanisms that would increase device complexity and reduce operating speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple gripping members with multiple rotation axes are used, then product orientation is achieved, but the transfer device becomes structurally complex and cannot maintain high operating speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct orientationVSAvoidoperating speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation member is designed to rotate dynamically about a vertical axis during the product transfer operation. This dynamic orientation capability, combined with the oscillating arm's vertical motion, achieves proper product orientation without requiring multiple fixed rotation axes, thereby maintaining high operating speeds while ensuring correct product positioning for the wrapping process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3609790B1Transfer device for wrapping machines for confectionery products
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 M C AUTOMATIONS
  • EP3609790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609790B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The transfer device for wrapping machines for confectionery products comprises an oscillating arm (2) on a vertical plane upon actuation of first kinematic means (4). An orientation member (5) is rotatably mounted on said oscillating arm (2) according to a vertical axis (A) and carries a gripping member (10) of individual products (100) to be transferred, provided with a pair of lever members (7, 8) bearing respective jaws (18, 19). Second kinematic means (20) are suitable for actuating the angular rotation of said lever members (7, 8) between a configuration for gripping said single products (100) to be transferred and a configuration for releasing the same products.