Parallel Tube Packaging via Synchronized Distribution Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging devices for elongated, approximately hollow cylindrical product units, such as tubes and cartridges, have limited throughput rates, typically ranging from 200 to 300 tubes per minute, due to the need to stop the conveyor belt during product transfer and the inefficiency of single-grouping device operations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conveyor belt and a distribution system using a two-part distributor plate that moves synchronously with the conveyor belt, dividing the product stream into two parallel streams to supply product units to two grouping devices, allowing continuous operation and increased packaging speed without gaps in supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single grouping device is used to package product units, then the device structure is simple, but the throughput rate is limited to 200-300 tubes per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is divided into two separable halves that can independently convey product units to different grouping devices. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple product streams simultaneously, doubling the throughput rate from 200-300 to over 500 tubes per minute while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Two grouping devices operate in parallel, each receiving product units from the distributor plate halves. By merging multiple processing paths into a single distribution system, the patent achieves increased throughput while coordinating the operations through synchronized conveyor belt movement
2Productivity
If the conveyor belt is stopped during product transfer to grouping devices, then precise product placement is achieved, but the processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt continues moving continuously during product transfer to the grouping devices. The distributor plate halves are designed to receive and convey product units while synchronized with the moving conveyor belt, eliminating stopping and starting cycles. This maintains processing speed above 500 tubes per minute while achieving precise placement through coordinated motion between the distributor plate and grouping devices
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for supplying elongated, at least approximately hollow cylindrical, product units, preferably tubes, cartridges or cans, to packaging units, the device comprises means to distribute a continuous stream of product units to two packaging units that operate in parallel. In a method for supplying elongated, at least approximately hollow cylindrical, product units, preferably tubes, cartridges or cans to packaging units, a continuous stream of product units is distributed, by means of a distribution device, to two packaging units that operate in parallel.