Plunging Paddle Eccentric Mechanism for Uniform Layer Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infeed conveyor systems for processors often fail to form a uniform layer of solid objects on the conveyor belt before processing, leading to inefficient processing and potential product damage.
Innovation Solution
A plunging paddle connected to a rotating shaft with offset eccentrics is used to agitate and form a single layer of products on the conveyor belt, ensuring consistent feeding to the processing section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional infeed conveyor systems are used to transport solid objects from the feed tank, then the product is conveyed to the processing section, but the products do not form a uniform layer on the conveyor belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibratory mechanism attached to the conveyor belt that generates vertical vibrations during product transport. This mechanical vibration agitates the products, causing them to settle into a uniform, single-layer arrangement on the conveyor belt surface, directly resolving the layer uniformity issue while maintaining continuous operation for productivity
2Productivity
If multiple layers of product are conveyed on the conveyor belt, then the feed tank capacity is utilized, but processing efficiency decreases and product damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory mechanism continuously agitates products during conveyance, preventing them from piling into multiple layers. This ensures products remain in a controlled single-layer configuration, eliminating the risk of product damage from excessive stacking while optimizing the feed rate to match processing capacity
3Productivity
If the conveyor belt speed is increased to improve feed rate, then productivity increases, but the product layer becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory mechanism operates simultaneously with the conveyor belt at increased speeds, providing continuous agitation that maintains uniform product distribution even at higher conveyance velocities. This allows the system to achieve both high feed rates and uniform layer formation without the trade-off present in conventional systems
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 ensures a uniform layer of products is formed on the conveyor belt, improving processing efficiency and preventing product damage by controlling the feed rate and maintaining a stable, even layer during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The plunging paddle is connected to a rotating shaft with offset eccentrics. The rotating shaft has an axis offset from the centers of the eccentrics. The plunging paddle plunges product on a conveyor belt
Data Source
AI summary
An improved feed mechanism for a processor of solid objects includes a plunging paddle connected via connectors and eccentrics to a rotating shaft driven by a motor. The rotating shaft has an axis offset from the centers of the eccentrics. The plunging paddle plunges product on a conveyor belt from a feed tank to create a single layer for conveying the product to a processor.