Gripping Device for Pasta Packets in Distribution Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices in pasta production lines face inefficiencies due to increased product flows exceeding mechanical capacities, leading to production slowdowns, operational complexity, and product damage, particularly with small packets of long pasta, and require multiple manipulators, increasing costs and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with blocking portions that constrain packets of pasta for accurate movement, allowing simultaneous handling and positioning, combined with a distribution apparatus using multiple conveyors and manipulators to manage product flows efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of product flows from packaging machines is increased, then production capacity is improved, but the mechanical capacity of sorting apparatus is exceeded causing production slowdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sorting function into multiple independent manipulators, each capable of handling one or more product flows. This segmentation allows the system to manage increased production capacity by distributing sorting tasks across multiple units rather than overloading a single sorting apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
Each manipulator is designed with universal gripping means that can handle different packet sizes and types. The manipulators can be configured to manage multiple product flows simultaneously, providing multi-functionality that adapts to varying production requirements without requiring specialized equipment for each flow.
2Productivity
If multiple manipulators are used to handle increased product flows, then productivity is improved, but operating costs and system dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple product flows are merged into a single consolidated flow that is then handled by the manipulators. This combining approach allows the system to manage multiple flows using a coordinated set of manipulators rather than requiring separate handling systems for each flow, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention arranges manipulators and conveyors in a three-dimensional configuration that optimizes space utilization. By stacking manipulators vertically and arranging conveyors in multiple planes, the system handles increased product flows without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint and overall dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If pusher systems are used to move packets, then material handling is simplified, but small packets are crushed causing product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pusher mechanical system with a gripping-based manipulation system. Instead of pushing packets along, the manipulators use controlled gripping means to pick up, hold, and position packets. This substitution eliminates the crushing problem while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping means acts as an intermediary between the manipulator and the packet. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled contact that distributes force evenly across the packet surface, preventing localized crushing while still enabling effective material handling. The gripper can be adjusted to accommodate different packet sizes and fragility levels.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Apparatus (100) for distributing at least one product, in particular a packet (P) of long dried pasta, comprising: at least one feed conveyor (101) configured to move at least one product along a feeding path (A); at least one packaging conveyor (104) configured to move at least one secondary packaging (S), preferably a carton, along a packaging path (B) of the packaging conveyor (104); at least one gripping device (1) configured to pick up at least one product from the feed conveyor (101) and release the at least one product inside the secondary packaging (S); movement means (105) adapted to move the at least one gripping device (1) between the feed conveyor (101) and the packaging conveyor (104) at at least one filling station (1000) defined along the packaging path (B).