Overhead Conveyor Loading Station With Lever-Opening Guide Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead conveyors with transport pouches for conveyed goods have structural complexity and inadequate loading mechanisms, requiring additional components like pressure pieces for pouch rotation and opening, which complicates the loading operation.
Innovation Solution
The guide rail incorporates a guide edge that interacts with the holding bracket of the transport pouch, leveraging it open by crossing the conveying plane, allowing the pouch to be rotated and clamped for loading, reducing structural complexity and improving loading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an additional pressure piece is used to rotate and open the transport pouch, then the pouch can be opened for loading, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is given a dual function: it guides the transport pouch through the loading station and simultaneously acts as a lever to open the pouch. By integrating the opening mechanism into the guide rail structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate pressure pieces while maintaining the loading function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support for the loading station, guides the movement of transport pouches, and acts as a mechanical lever to open the pouch loading opening. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the guide edge crosses the conveying plane, then the loading opening is levered open effectively, but the holding bracket experiences increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The holding bracket is pre-configured with a lateral projection that extends beyond the conveying plane. This preliminary positioning allows the guide edge to engage with the bracket before the pouch reaches the loading position, enabling a smooth lever action that distributes stress over time rather than applying sudden force.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding bracket is designed with a lateral projection that extends in the dimension perpendicular to the conveying plane. This dimensional extension allows the guide edge to apply force at an optimal leverage point, opening the pouch effectively while distributing the stress along the bracket's extended structure rather than concentrating it at a single point.
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 design simplifies the loading process by minimizing structural complexity and ensuring effective opening of the transport pouches without pulse-like movements, enhancing ergonomic handling and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
the guide edge serves as a support via which the loading opening is levered open when passing the first section
Implementation Method 2
the transport pouch is rotatable relative to the carrier
Implementation Method 3
the transport pouch is clamped
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an overhead conveyor with transport pouches for conveyed goods, wherein the transport pouches are rotatable relative to the carrier, wherein the overhead conveyor furthermore has a loading station with a guide rail arranged below the running profile. The transport pouches, before reaching the guide rail, assume a second orientation rotated with respect to the first orientation. The guide rail has a guide edge which, when the transport pouch reaches the guide rail, is brought into contact with the region of the holding bracket located between the bag and a carrying hook. The guide edge has a first section which crosses the conveying plane, so that the transport pouch, when passing the first section, is moved away from the conveying plane relative to the carrier, wherein the guide edge serves as a support via which the loading opening, when passing the first section, is levered open such that the bag is clamped and the transport pouch can be loaded. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method.