Planetary Suction Arm Transfer Mechanism for Folding Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transferring folding boxes are inefficient in terms of space usage and output, and struggle to place boxes into transport receptacles at a steep angle, which affects the speed and opening behavior of the boxes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a planetary carrier and two suction arms, supported to rotate around non-stationary axes, utilizing a cam disk unit with different curved guide surfaces to create a hypocycloid path for the suction elements, allowing for increased output and efficient transfer of folding boxes into transport receptacles at a steep angle, while minimizing space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional planetary carrier with roller star units is used, then the device can transfer folding boxes, but it occupies too much space and achieves low output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suction arms rotate around non-stationary axes that move with the planetary carrier rotation. This dynamic configuration allows the suction arms to trace hypocycloid paths, enabling faster transfer cycles and higher output while maintaining a compact overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second rotational dimension by allowing suction arms to rotate around moving axes in addition to the planetary carrier's rotation. This multi-dimensional motion enables the suction elements to cover larger transfer distances and engage with receptacles at steep angles, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing space occupation.
2Speed
If folding boxes are placed into transport receptacles at a shallow angle, then the transfer is simpler, but the transfer speed decreases and opening behavior is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation of suction arms around non-stationary axes enables the system to achieve steep transfer angles without increasing mechanical complexity. The hypocycloid motion naturally provides the necessary angular velocity and positioning capability, allowing fast transfer at steep angles while maintaining relatively simple individual component design.
3Productivity
If the planetary carrier rotates at high speed, then the output increases, but the space required for the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the suction arms rotate around moving axes rather than fixed axes, the system achieves high-speed transfer motion within a compact configuration. The non-stationary axes allow the suction arms to complete faster hypocycloid cycles without requiring proportionally larger clearance spaces, thus maintaining high productivity while minimizing overall device footprint.
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 achieves high output and efficient transfer of folding boxes into transport receptacles at a steep angle, ensuring continuous operation and proper opening of the boxes, while occupying minimal space.
Implementation Method 1
The suction elements responsible for transport are attached to suction arms
Data Source
AI summary
The device for transferring folding boxes has a planetary carrier, which rotates around a horizontal axis and which includes, as its planets, two suction arms, which are supported rotatably in the planetary carrier and are connected to two roller star units, which are guided on a cam disk unit consisting of two cam disks with different curved guide surfaces. A drive for the cam disk unit is designed to turn the cam disk unit around the horizontal axis in rotational direction of the planetary carrier but at a rotational speed double the rotational speed of the planetary carrier.