Perpendicular Transfer Mechanism for Packaging Line Work Stations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging lines face inefficiencies in transferring and closing multiple trays simultaneously due to the length of crossbeams required and the complexity of additional sealing devices, leading to increased costs and reduced versatility, especially when handling products that may spill or require different tray formats.

Innovation Solution

A work station with a transfer mechanism that moves packages in perpendicular alignments, using first and second transport groups that hang from movable parts to facilitate simultaneous insertion and removal of packages under a tool, allowing for efficient transfer and processing without interfering with the tool's operation, and can be adapted for different package sizes and formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of trays to be closed simultaneously is increased, then the productivity of the packaging line is improved, but the length of the crossbeams must be increased which increases the transfer time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of trays closed simultaneouslyVSAvoidlength of crossbeams

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the transport direction from parallel to perpendicular relative to the tray alignment. Instead of moving trays along the length of the conveyor (parallel to alignment), the transfer mechanism moves trays perpendicular to the alignment direction, allowing multiple trays to be transferred simultaneously without increasing crossbeam length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer mechanism is divided into multiple independent transport groups (first and second transport groups) that can operate simultaneously. Each transport group handles a subset of trays, allowing parallel processing and increasing throughput without requiring a single long crossbeam structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the speed of the transfer means is increased to reduce transfer time, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of spilling products increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidspilling of liquid or paste products

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer mechanism captures trays before they reach the critical zone where products might spill. By positioning the transport groups to intercept trays at an earlier stage and moving them perpendicular to the alignment, the system prevents products from reaching the edge during high-speed transfer, eliminating the spilling risk even at increased speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional sealing devices are added to handle different tray formats, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of different tray formatsVSAvoidnumber of sealing devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer mechanism is designed with universal applicability through its perpendicular movement capability and modular transport groups. A single transfer mechanism design can accommodate various tray formats, sizes, and configurations without requiring additional specialized sealing devices, as the perpendicular transfer approach works universally for different package geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport groups are designed with adjustable and movable components that can adapt to different tray configurations. The mechanism includes movable parts and adjustable positioning capabilities that allow the same transfer system to handle varying tray formats dynamically, eliminating the need for multiple fixed sealing devices for different formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If the transfer mechanism moves packages perpendicular to the alignment, then the displacement and transfer time are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer timeVSAvoidtransfer mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transfer function with the existing conveyor structure by integrating transport groups that utilize the conveyor's vertical space and structural support. The first and second transport groups are positioned to hang from or attach to the conveyor framework, merging the transfer mechanism with the conveyor system rather than adding completely separate complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10967998B2Work station for a packaging line and a packaging line comprising at least two of said work stations

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 NEXES CONTROL DESIGN ENG S L U

AI summary

A work station (40) for a packaging line having an apparatus (4) for executing a simultaneous action on packages (10) of an alignment of packages with a tool (46); and a transfer mechanism (31) for the simultaneous transport of an alignment of packages to be processed (10b) to the apparatus (4) and of an alignment of processed packages (10c) from the apparatus (4). The alignments are arranged parallel to each other and the transport direction of the packages are perpendicular to the alignments, the transfer mechanism (31) thus having a first and a second transport group (31a, 31b), one of which hangs from two movable parts (60) of the transfer mechanism (31) which are movable on respective parallel planes of movement and which do not interfere with the vertical projection of the tool (46). A packaging line (101, 102, 103) with modular construction having such work stations.