Paper Blank Feeder with Movable Support Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed devices for flat objects, such as paper blanks, are complex, prone to breakage, and slow due to their construction, particularly with vertical movement and rotation, which complicates the loading process and interrupts the continuous operation of packaging machines.
Innovation Solution
A feed device with movable first and second support means that alternate in contact with the lateral surface of the loader to ensure continuous and fast loading of flat objects onto a conveyor, allowing for simultaneous support and preventing unwanted movement, thus simplifying the loading process and adapting to different object dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If vertical movement and rotation mechanisms are used for loading flat objects, then automatic loading capability is achieved, but device complexity and susceptibility to breakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vertical column and rotation mechanisms from the system, extracting the problematic complex components while retaining the essential loading function through a simplified horizontal conveyor approach
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the loader vertically and rotating it to load objects, the patent inverts the approach by using a horizontal conveyor that moves objects directly into position, eliminating the need for vertical movement and rotation
2Extent of automation
If vertical movement and rotation are employed for loading, then automatic loading is enabled, but device speed decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the traditional loading mechanism by eliminating vertical movement and rotation, using instead a horizontal conveyor system that moves objects directly and continuously at higher speeds without the deceleration and acceleration cycles required by vertical and rotational movements
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system enables continuous loading operation without the intermittent stopping and starting required by vertical movement and rotation mechanisms, maintaining constant speed and eliminating energy-wasting acceleration and deceleration phases
3Extent of automation
If complex loading mechanisms with vertical movement are used, then automatic loading is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to higher breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the vertical column, rotation joints, and associated complex mechanisms that are prone to breakage, replacing them with a simple horizontal conveyor system that has fewer moving parts and higher reliability
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the loading approach from vertical-rotational to horizontal-linear motion, the patent eliminates the complex mechanisms that require maintenance, achieving automatic loading through a more reliable simpler system
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a device (1) and the related method of use to feed flat objects (50), for example blanks of paper material and the like, comprising conveyor means (2) for one or more flat objects, and at least one loading body (3), in turn comprising a base element (4) and at least one lateral surface (5) to retain one or more flat objects (50). The base element (4) is movable between a first position to receive at least one flat object and a second position to load at least one flat object on the conveyor means. The device is characterized in that it comprises first support means (10) for at least one of the flat objects conveyed on the conveyor means and in that the first support means (10) are movable relative to the conveyor means (2) to reach at least one position of contact with at least one of the flat objects conveyed.