Parallel Conveyor Discharge Apparatus for Gentle Container Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container discharge systems require significant space and exert high forces on containers, posing inefficiencies in operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A container discharge apparatus featuring parallel conveyors arranged transversely to a mass flow conveyor, with inclined transport surfaces and concave railings for gentle diversion, along with optional intermediate conveyors for acceleration, to reduce space requirements and forces on containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional discharge systems are used, then containers can be discharged from mass flow conveyor, but significant space is required and high forces are exerted on containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by arranging conveyors in parallel rows that move in opposite directions transverse to the mass flow conveyor. This dimensional reorganization allows containers to be discharged and separated within a compact footprint while reducing the forces exerted on containers through gentle diversion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave railings with curved surfaces guide containers along smooth, rounded paths during diversion between conveyors. This curvature eliminates sharp angles and abrupt changes in direction, thereby reducing impact forces on containers while maintaining efficient separation and transport.
2Area of stationary object
If parallel conveyors are arranged transversely to separate containers, then space is saved, but complex routing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into multiple independent parallel conveyors that can be controlled separately. Each conveyor handles specific container streams, allowing for modular design and simplified control of the overall complex routing while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Concave railings serve as intermediary elements between the parallel conveyors, providing gentle transition paths for containers. These intermediaries simplify the routing complexity by creating standardized diversion points that reduce the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining efficient container flow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If concave railings with specific angles are used, then containers are diverted gently, but manufacturing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The concave railings are designed with specific angular parameters (135° to 195°) that optimize the diversion of containers. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves gentle container movement while maintaining manufacturability through standardized angular specifications that can be produced with conventional precision.
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 apparatus achieves a compact design, reduces forces on containers, and enhances the efficiency of container separation and transport, allowing for the integration of additional treatment devices like pasteurizers or cleaners while minimizing container damage.
Implementation Method 1
a concave railing can be provided above the transport surfaces. For example, the concave railing can comprise a curve that describes an angle that lies in a range of 135° to 195°.
Implementation Method 2
the conveying portions adjacent to the infeed conveyor have a first conveying direction which is opposite to a second conveying direction of the conveying portions adjacent to the discharge conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A container discharge apparatus for discharging containers from a mass flow conveyor and for separating the containers, the apparatus comprising the following: adjoining a mass flow conveyor, a first group of a plurality of first conveyors arranged in parallel which can be driven in a first direction transverse to the transport direction of the mass flow conveyor and are designed to separate containers and to convey them in the first direction; adjoining the first group so as to be parallel therewith, a second group of a plurality of parallel second conveyors arranged in parallel which can be driven in a second direction and are designed to convey the separated conveyors in the second direction opposite the first direction; one or more third conveyors, the third conveyor(s) being designed to transport away the separated containers. The invention also relates to a method for operating the container discharge apparatus.