Overhead Linear Guide Buffering for Compact Object Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffering devices for objects between conveyors are inefficient due to large space requirements, exposure to damage from shards, and complex construction, which compromises their compactness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A compact buffering device design where conveyors are arranged closely with linear guides above them, allowing a transfer installation to move along these guides, enabling breakdown-free transfer of objects without additional support, and protecting against damage from shards and liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transfer installation is mounted between the two conveyors in a movable manner, then the device can transfer objects between conveyors, but it takes up a large amount of space in comparison to the buffering capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guide is positioned above the conveyors rather than between them, transitioning the support structure from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical/overhead arrangement. This dimensional change allows the conveyors to be placed closely together while the transfer installation moves along the overhead guide, significantly reducing the horizontal space required for the buffering device.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyors are attached in lateral support belts to enable object transfer, then objects can be shifted between conveyors, but the construction width increases and the belts make the conveyors difficult to access and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guide is positioned above the conveyors rather than laterally adjacent to them. This vertical placement removes the support belts from the hazardous zone where shards and liquids are present on the conveyor surfaces, protecting the guide structure from damage while maintaining the object transfer function.
3Area of stationary object
If the conveyors are arranged closely next to each other without space for mounting transfer installation, then space efficiency is improved, but traditional transfer mechanisms cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the linear guide above the closely-spaced conveyors, the system enables object transfer without requiring lateral clearance between conveyors. The overhead guide structure spans across the narrow gap, allowing the transfer installation to move vertically over the conveyors rather than requiring horizontal mounting space.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the buffering of objects, with two parallel conveyors which can be driven in opposite directions, and with a transfer installation which can be moved by means of at least one linear guide along the conveyors, for the transfer of objects between the conveyors, where at least one linear guide is arranged with separation above a conveyor.