Planar Motor Carriers for Flexible Package Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines struggle to handle packages formed from multilayer packaging material filled with pourable products in a flexible and scalable manner, lacking efficient conveyance systems that allow for precise handling and format changes without requiring extensive modifications.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus with carriers and a planar motor system that provides six degrees of freedom, allowing for precise control of package movement through a combination of linear and rotational axes, along with a control device that manages retaining devices to securely hold and release packages, enabling flexible and scalable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional conveying systems are used for packages formed from multilayer packaging material, then packages can be transported, but the system lacks flexibility and scalability for handling various package formats
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is segmented into multiple independent carriers, each capable of being individually controlled. This allows the system to adapt to different package formats by selectively activating and positioning specific carriers, rather than requiring the entire system to be reconfigured for each package type.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriers are designed with movable and adjustable components, including retainers that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different package dimensions. The system transitions from a static conveying mechanism to a dynamic one where carrier positions, orientations, and configurations can be changed in real-time based on package requirements.
2Productivity
If conventional conveying mechanisms are used, then packages can be moved, but time-consuming modifications are required for format changes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple carriers are pre-positioned and pre-configured in advance, ready to handle different package formats. When a format change is needed, the system simply switches to using the pre-prepared carriers configured for the new format, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconfiguration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables rapid changes in operational parameters such as carrier position, speed, and retainer configuration through programmable control. This allows the conveying system to adapt to different package formats by changing control parameters rather than making physical modifications, significantly reducing format change time.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple conveying systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but precise control and gentle placement/removal of packages cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment and operation with automated programmable control. The programmable controller manages carrier movements, retainer positioning, and package handling sequences, achieving precise control without requiring complex manual operations. This substitution of mechanical control with automated control systems maintains ease of operation while significantly improving precision.
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 flexible and scalable handling of packages, allowing for precise control and gentle placement/removal without the need for time-consuming modifications, supporting various package formats and formats changes.
Implementation Method 1
a planar motor configured to selectively and independently move each one of the carriers
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a conveying apparatus comprising a plurality of carriers, a planar motor for selectively and independently moving the carriers, an inlet conveyor, an outlet conveyor and a control device for controlling each retaining device between a respective open configuration and a respective retaining configuration. The inlet conveyor and the outlet conveyor are configured to advance each package in a manner spaced apart from the planar motor and such that a respective interspace between the planar motor and the package allows of interposing a respective support platform of each carrier between the planar motor and the respective package.