Packaging Machine Moving Lifting Combs for Tray Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines for food products in rigid or semi-rigid trays are costly, lack adaptability for varying production needs, and often damage or contaminate trays due to conventional conveyor systems, leading to inefficiencies and product damage.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with intermittent operation and moving lifting combs that transfer trays between stations without fixed guides, allowing for delicate handling and easy cleaning, while eliminating interconnecting conveyors to reduce damage and contamination, and incorporating a sealed upper chamber for the drive mechanisms to maintain cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interconnecting conveyors are used to transfer trays between stations, then continuous operation is achieved, but trays are damaged and contaminated due to contact with fixed slider guides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful fixed slider guides from the tray transfer path. Instead, trays are transferred by a moving comb that engages with the trays and lifts them clear of any stationary contact surfaces, eliminating the source of damage and contamination while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving comb acts as an intermediary between stations for tray transfer. It engages with the trays, lifts them vertically to clear any potential contact with fixed guides, and transports them horizontally between stations, thereby preventing direct contact with harmful fixed surfaces.
2Device complexity
If fixed slider guides are used for tray transfer, then structural simplicity is maintained, but trays are dragged and scratched causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static fixed slider guides with a dynamic moving comb that actively engages and lifts trays. This dynamic system adapts to tray positions and movements, preventing dragging and scratching while maintaining structural efficiency through the comb's integrated design.
3Ease of repair
If electric motors and drive mechanisms are exposed for easy access, then maintenance is simplified, but washing is compromised due to risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the machine into two distinct zones: a lower washable chamber that can be fully cleaned, and an upper sealed chamber housing the electric motors and drive mechanisms. This segmentation allows the washing area to be completely accessible while protecting sensitive components from water and cleaning agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanisms are nested within a sealed upper chamber that is integrated into the overall machine structure. This nested arrangement allows the washing chamber to be positioned below and around the protected motor compartment, enabling comprehensive washing without exposing the motors to water.
4Productivity
If high-speed continuous conveyors are used, then productivity is increased, but tray handling becomes rough causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The moving comb operates in periodic cycles, engaging with trays at specific intervals to lift and transfer them. This periodic engagement allows for controlled, gentle handling at each transfer point while maintaining high overall productivity through continuous cyclic operation rather than constant high-speed conveyance.
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 machine achieves high throughput with reduced costs, adaptability to medium and small-scale production, and ensures trays are handled delicately, reducing damage and contamination, while allowing for easy washing and maintaining high technological reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing station for sealing and closing the trays with a thermoplastic film
Implementation Method 2
moving and lifting combs to transfer together, from one station to the next, pre-arranged groups of trays
Data Source
AI summary
A machine with a series of three operating stations, of which the first station arranges the full trays in a predetermined pattern while the second station closes the full trays with a film and in which the third station discharges the full trays. The stations are equidistant from each other. A transfer structure has combs that have a length such as to occupy simultaneously two consecutive such stations and that are provided with the teeth that can grasp the trays, lift the groups of trays and then move longitudinally to transfer the groups of trays from one station to the next, then lower the tray to deposit the groups of trays in the new stations.