Parallel Conveying Unit with Selective Clutch Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveying units in packaging production lines are inefficient in transporting packages of varying dimensions and often require manual intervention, lacking adaptability and precision in managing the movement of multiple packages simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A conveying unit with two parallel transport means, where one means remains stationary while the other is driven, utilizing an electromechanical clutch or dog clutch system to uncouple and re-couple the transport mechanisms, allowing for separate management of package movement and adaptation to different package sizes and formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motorized conveyors of the belt or roller type are used to transport packages, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the system lacks adaptability to different package dimensions and requires manual intervention for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is divided into multiple independent transport means (first means of transport and second means of transport) that can operate independently. Each transport means can be selectively coupled to the drive means, allowing different sections to handle different package types and dimensions simultaneously, thus improving both productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs actuating means that enable dynamic coupling and uncoupling of transport means from the drive means. This allows the conveying system to adapt its configuration in real-time based on package dimensions and transportation requirements, maintaining high productivity while handling varied package types.
2Productivity
If all transport means are continuously driven to maximize throughput, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the drive means operates periodically by selectively coupling to different transport means at different times. The actuating means enable this periodic engagement, allowing the system to maintain high throughput while reducing energy consumption by keeping unused transport means stationary and uncoupled from the drive system.
3Productivity
If multiple packages are transported simultaneously on parallel conveyors, then productivity is improved, but control precision and individual package management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control of each transport means independently through separate coupling means and actuating mechanisms. This allows precise individual control of each package or group of packages on parallel conveyors, maintaining control precision while enabling simultaneous transportation of multiple packages through coordinated operation of segmented control units.
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
Enables efficient and adaptable transportation of packages, allowing for simultaneous movement of some packages while keeping others stationary, improving production line efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical clutch or dog clutch system to uncouple and re-couple the transport mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A conveying unit for packages, intended for a sheet-like element conversion unit, comprises at least two adjacent and mutually parallel transport means (13) that are capable of transporting the packages (3) in the longitudinal direction (L), driving means (26) for the transport means (13), and actuating means that are able to couple and uncouple a second transport means (28) to and from a first transport means (27), such that a first package (6) is transported in the first longitudinal direction (L) with the first transport means (27) and a second package (7) is left substantially immobile longitudinally with the second transport means (28) when the second transport means (28) is uncoupled from the first transport means (27).