Pivotable Conveyor Slats With Electromagnet Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package handling systems struggle to efficiently remove nonconforming packages from the production stream while maintaining high-speed operation and minimizing damage to conforming packages.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising pivotable slats on a conveyor, where electromagnets hold the slats in a horizontal position and deenergizing allows them to pivot, enabling nonconforming packages to slide off onto a rejection ramp, while conforming packages remain on the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing package handling systems use mechanical mechanisms to remove nonconforming packages, then separation function is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ejection mechanisms with a simple electromagnet system. The electromagnet holds slats in a horizontal position during normal conveyance, and when deactivated, allows slats to pivot under gravity to eject nonconforming packages. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of the electromagnet (energized vs. deenergized) to control slat position. When energized, slats remain horizontal for normal operation; when deenergized, slats pivot to eject packages. This simple binary state change enables package separation without complex mechanical controls.
2Productivity
If high-speed operation is implemented to maintain production rates, then productivity increases, but package damage risk and separation precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical ejection systems with an electromagnet-gravity system, the patent enables high-speed operation without increasing package damage. The electromagnet can be rapidly deactivated and the slats pivot quickly under gravity, achieving high separation speed suitable for production rates over 350 packages per minute while using gentle gravity-based ejection rather than forceful mechanical mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical ejection systems are used, then nonconforming packages can be removed, but noise levels and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces noisy mechanical ejection mechanisms with an electromagnet system that uses electrical control and gravity. The electromagnet deactivation and subsequent gravity-driven slat pivoting produce minimal noise compared to traditional mechanical springs, pneumatic systems, or motorized actuators, creating a quieter operating environment.
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 high-speed separation of nonconforming packages without damaging conforming ones, accommodating various package sizes and configurations, and operating at high production rates with reduced noise and mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet can be energized to generate a magnetic field that holds the slats in a horizontal position
Implementation Method 2
the slats are moved into the tilted position... so that the package moves off the one or more slats
Data Source
AI summary
A method of handling packages can comprise moving a plurality of slats in a downstream direction so that a portion of each slat passes over an electromagnet. Each slat can be pivotable between a horizontal a tilted position, and the electromagnet can be energized to at least partially hold the slats in the horizontal position. The method further can include positioning a package on one or more slats of the plurality of slats so that the package is moved in the downstream direction on the one or more slats and moving the package off the one or more slats comprising deenergizing the electromagnet while moving the one or more slats past the electromagnet so that the one or more slats pivot from the horizontal to the tilted position so that the package moves off the one or more slats while the slats move in the downstream direction.