Packaging Line Transfer Device with Linear Motor Conveyor Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging lines for food products, such as biscuits, face inefficiencies in product transfer and handling, leading to dead times and suboptimal use of line components, limiting their versatility and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A packaging line featuring independently movable conveyor units powered by a linear electric motor with a closed-loop stator and an inclinable conveyor belt section, controlled by an actuator member with a sliding stem, allows for adaptive product transfer and precise positioning, enabling efficient handling of variable product rows and maximizing line potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional transfer devices with fixed conveyor units are used, then the structure is simple, but dead times occur and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor units are made dynamically adjustable in position along the longitudinal axis, allowing them to move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to variable product row configurations and eliminate dead times, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device is divided into multiple independently controllable conveyor units that can be positioned separately. Each unit can be individually extended or retracted based on the specific packaging requirements, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor belt is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but it cannot adapt to different product arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is designed with inclinable sections that can be adjusted in angle and position. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the belt to adapt to different product arrangements and transfer configurations, enabling versatile handling while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transport products in fixed configurations and also adapt to variable configurations by inclining and repositioning sections. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to handle diverse product arrangements, improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate systems.
3Productivity
If conveyor units are fixed in position, then the device is simple to control, but it creates dead times and reduces line efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the presence and configuration of product rows on the conveyor belt. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the position and inclination of conveyor units and belt sections, eliminating dead times and optimizing transfer efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device is designed to automatically detect and adapt to the configuration of incoming product rows. The system self-adjusts the conveyor unit positions and belt inclinations based on the detected product arrangement, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing control complexity while maximizing line efficiency.
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 solution enhances the packaging line's versatility and productivity by eliminating dead times and optimizing component utilization, allowing for flexible handling of different product arrangements and increased packaging speed.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one transfer device comprises a linear motor including a closed-loop stator and a plurality of conveyor units independently movable along the stator
Implementation Method 2
The use of an actuator member having a sliding stem, the distal end of which is articulated to an arm that extends from a fixed end of the inclinable portion, allows the movement of the inclinable portion to be safely and precisely controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging line for products, in particular food products, includes a conveyor belt having a longitudinal feed axis and carrying the products arranged in a plurality of rows orthogonal to the longitudinal feed axis, at least one packaging machine for the products, and at least one transfer device for transferring the products from the conveyor belt to the at least one packaging machine along a direction transverse to the longitudinal feed axis. The at least one transfer device has a linear motor having a closed-loop stator and a plurality of conveyor units independently movable along the closed-loop stator, each configured to receive at least one of the products.