Packaging Feeding Device Dynamic Stroke Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines face issues with extracting bakery products of varying heights due to environmental and process parameters, leading to potential damage from incorrect positioning of the mask and extractor element.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device with an extractor element and mask that can adjust its vertical stroke based on real-time measurements of product height using optical sensors and electronic control, ensuring accurate extraction without manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask and extractor element use a fixed vertical stroke equal to the height of individual products or stacks, then the extraction mechanism is simple and reliable, but product damage occurs when product height varies due to environmental or process parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vertical stroke of the extractor element and mask adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the stroke length to match the actual height of products or stacks being extracted, allowing the extraction mechanism to respond to variations in product dimensions caused by environmental or process parameters while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the vertical stroke parameter of the extractor element and mask based on measured product heights. The system changes this critical parameter in real-time to accommodate variations in product height, preventing damage while ensuring complete extraction of the intended number of products or stacks
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vertical stroke of the extractor element and mask is increased to accommodate taller products, then taller products can be extracted, but shorter products may be damaged by excessive stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using optical sensors to measure the actual height of products or stacks in the continuous array. This measurement feedback is then used to adjust the vertical stroke of the extractor element and mask, ensuring the stroke matches the actual product height and preventing damage from excessive movement while accommodating variations in product dimensions
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
The feeding device ensures consistent and damage-free extraction of bakery products by dynamically adjusting the extractor element's position according to the measured height, accommodating variations in product height over time.
Implementation Method 1
sensor means arranged to measure the height of the individual products or of the stacks of products extracted in each operating cycle
Data Source
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AI summary
A feeding device for a packaging machine, comprising: - at least one channel (14) which, in use, contains a continuous array (S) of products (P), said channel (14) having a vertical lower end (26), - a stationary base (30) located at the bottom of said channel (14), which supports said continuous array (S), - at least one extractor element (32) movable in a vertical direction between a lowered position and a raised position and movable in a horizontal direction between a retracted position and an extracted position, wherein, in use, the extractor element (32) is cyclically movable between a retracted lowered position, a retracted raised position, an extracted raised position, and an extracted lowered position, wherein during the movement from the retracted raised position to the extracted raised position, the extractor element (32) extracts an individual product (P) or a stack of products (S1) from the bottom of said array (S), - sensor means (48) arranged to measure the height of said individual product (P) or of said stack of products (S1), and - an electronic control unit (50) programmed to adjust the stroke of the movement in the vertical direction of said extractor element (32) as a function of the measured height of said individual product (P) or of said stack of products (S1).