Pivoting Arm Ejection for Gentle Conveyor Object Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object selection installations on conveyor lines are inefficient for a wide range of shapes and dimensions, often causing damage to fragile objects and disrupting the flow of compliant objects due to abrupt ejection methods.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting arm ejection device with diametrically opposed arms, each ending in a curved bearing surface, operates with a rotational movement that overlaps the object's trajectory, ensuring efficient and gentle ejection without disturbing upstream or downstream objects, using low-friction materials like PTFE for contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical ejectors with abrupt action are used to quickly remove non-compliant objects, then ejection speed is improved, but fragile objects risk breaking and the flow of compliant objects is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector arm is designed to rotate dynamically around a pivot point, transitioning from a stationary position to an active ejection position and back. This dynamic movement allows the arm to approach the object, apply force, and retract smoothly, reducing impact on compliant objects while maintaining effective ejection of non-compliant objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector arm rotates into position and approaches the object before making contact. This preliminary positioning allows the arm to align its force application optimally, ensuring that ejection occurs in the desired direction while minimizing disturbance to surrounding objects. The arm then quickly retracts after ejection to prepare for the next object.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ejectors are used to remove non-compliant objects, then ejection function is achieved, but adaptability to various shapes and dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector arm is designed as a universal component that can handle objects of various shapes and dimensions. By positioning the pivot point appropriately and designing the arm with suitable length and curvature, the same arm structure can effectively eject different types of objects without requiring multiple specialized ejectors, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the ejection device operates with minimal inertia and quick return to rest position, then productivity is improved, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and characteristics of objects on the conveyor. This feedback information is used by the control system to determine when and how to activate the ejector arm, ensuring precise control over ejection timing and force. The feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high productivity by quickly returning the arm to rest position while still achieving precise ejection control based on real-time object detection.
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 device allows rapid and controlled ejection of non-compliant objects, minimizing inertia and time for the next ejection, adapting to various shapes and sizes while preserving the flow continuity and avoiding damage.
Implementation Method 1
using low-friction materials like PTFE for contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for selecting objects moving along a transfer line that consists of an endless belt (1) between an entry point (11) for objects (Ni) and an exit point (12) for accepted objects, while defective objects (N'i) are rejected in the ejection zone (35). A sensor (2) that is mounted along the conveying line (LD) generates an identification signal (SID-Ni) and a quality signal (SQ-Ni) for each object (Ni) as a result of an analysis of the object (Ni). A control unit (4) that receives the signals (SID-Ni) generates a control signal (SCN'i) if the quality signal (SQ-Ni) for the object (Ni) does not comply with the required quality. An ejection device (3) comprises a pivoting arm (31) that receives the control signal (SCN'i) for the object (N'i) that is to be ejected, in order to impact said object and discharge it from the conveying line (LD).