Product Grouping Apparatus with Rotating Receiving Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming groups of thin products like biscuits are often bulky and risk damaging the products during the grouping process.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with movable receiving elements and guide devices that rotate and position products on edge, allowing for controlled grouping and extraction without direct contact, reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If extractor devices are used to individually extract products from channels, then groups of products can be formed, but the device becomes bulky and products may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of group formation from complex extractor devices by using simple gravity-fed channels with controlled outlets. Instead of active extraction mechanisms, the system passively forms groups as products flow through inclined channels, eliminating bulky extractor components while maintaining group formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural gravity flow of products through inclined channels to self-organize into groups. Products automatically stack on edge in the channels and form groups at the outlets without requiring active extraction devices, making the system self-organizing and eliminating complex mechanical extractors
2Productivity
If extractor devices are used to individually extract products from channels, then groups of products can be formed, but the risk of product damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful extraction action from the system by replacing active extractor devices with passive gravity-fed channel outlets. Products flow out naturally under gravity without being grabbed or manipulated by extractors, eliminating the mechanical contact that causes damage while still achieving group formation
Solution Approach 2:
Products self-organize into groups through their own gravity-driven flow through the channels. The system exploits the natural tendency of products to stack on edge in the inclined channels and emerge in groups at the outlets, eliminating the need for harmful extraction actions
3Productivity
If products are arranged on edge in stationary channels, then groups can be formed, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces static, bulky channel structures with dynamic, adjustable channel configurations. The channels can be tilted and adjusted to optimize product flow and group formation, allowing for a more compact device design that adapts to different product types and group sizes rather than requiring fixed, oversized structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the group formation function from bulky stationary channels by using simple inclined channels with controlled outlets. The essential function is achieved with minimal channel structure, eliminating the need for large, fixed channel systems while maintaining effective group formation
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 apparatus effectively forms groups of products while minimizing damage and ensuring a compact design for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The channels containing respective stacks of products can be inclined so as to direct the products arranged on edge - by gravity - towards an outlet end
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for forming groups of products, comprising: - a belt conveyor (16) having a transport surface (16a) movable in a longitudinal direction (A), wherein said transport surface (16a) terminates in an outlet edge (22) where the products advancing on said transport surface (16a) fall by gravity, - a plurality of receiving elements (24) having respective seats (28) elongated along respective axes (C) parallel to each other and parallel to said longitudinal direction (A), wherein said receiving elements (24) are movable between a closed position (24) in which the receiving elements (24) are configured to receive and retain products (P) in their respective seats (28) and an open position in which the receiving elements (24) are configured to release respective groups of products in a vertical direction, - a plurality of guide devices (40) associated with respective receiving elements (24) and configured for guiding products (P) falling from said outlet edge (22) to respective receiving elements (24), wherein the outlet edge (22) of the belt conveyor (16) and said receiving elements (24) are provided with a stepped relative movement in said longitudinal direction (A), so that subsequent products (P) that fall from the outlet edge (22) of the belt conveyor (16) are received in offset positions in said seats (28) of said receiving elements (24).