Pivoting Deflection Element for Conveyor Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sorting objects on a conveyor belt are complex to position and control, making reliable and efficient object discharge challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device with a deflection element pivotably mounted about a side edge of the conveyor track, actuated by a two-stage linear actuator comprising pulling magnets, which converts linear movement into pivoting motion via a lever mechanism, allowing for simple and reliable object ejection in desired directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional actuator with central axis of rotation is used, then the deflection element can be mounted centrally, but the positioning and control becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The axis of rotation is asymmetrically positioned at the side edge of the conveyor track rather than centrally, and the deflection element has an asymmetric T-shape with one arm for object contact and another for actuator connection. This asymmetric configuration simplifies the actuation mechanism and control while maintaining effective object deflection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection element is segmented into multiple functional arms: a first arm for contacting and deflecting objects, a second arm for connection to the actuator, and a third arm extending in the transport direction. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and simplifies the overall control mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a two-stage linear actuator with pulling magnets is used, then the control is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical piston-cylinder actuation system is replaced with a two-stage linear actuator using pulling magnets that generate linear motion through magnetic fields. This substitution simplifies control while the modular two-stage design manages the structural complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-stage linear actuator provides dynamic control capability with two independent motion stages, allowing flexible positioning and control of the deflection element. The dynamic actuation system simplifies control operations while managing structural complexity through staged motion control.
3Force
If the axis of rotation runs in the area of a side edge, then the lever mechanism provides increased impact force, but the mounting configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism utilizes an arc-shaped travel path for the actuator, with the axis of rotation positioned at the center of this arc. This curved geometry naturally provides mechanical advantage and increased impact force during deflection, while the arc-shaped mounting configuration manages structural complexity through geometric optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is pre-configured with the axis of rotation at the side edge position, establishing the mechanical advantage geometry before operation. This preliminary configuration ensures increased impact force is available immediately upon actuation, while the fixed mounting reduces operational complexity.
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 solution enables straightforward control and increased impact force for efficient object deflection, ensuring safe and reliable discharge with a compact design, capable of directing objects laterally in either direction.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating element is designed as at least one two-stage linear actuating element which, via a lever mechanism, is coupled to the axis of rotation of the deflection element, and that the two-stage linear actuator (10, 10') is formed by two pulling magnets (16, 17)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device has a deflecting element (7) pivotably mounted around a rotational axis (D). A two-stage linear control element (10) acts on the deflecting element such that an object is conveyed on a conveyor path of a conveyor belt (1) in a transport direction in a pivot position of the deflecting element and laterally discharged from the conveyor path in another pivot position of the deflecting element. The axis extends in a region of a side edge of the path and/or the belt. The control element is coupled with the axis by a lever mechanism (13).