Progressive Rate Case Cushion for Drop Packing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drop packers using industrial shock absorbers face issues such as short component life due to high-speed impacts, damage to articles and equipment, and lack of centering mechanism for the case pad, leading to uneven energy dissipation and potential bottle breakage.
Innovation Solution
A drop packing apparatus employing a shock absorber with a progressive linkage, utilizing a compression spring and rebound damping, along with a four-bar linkage and flexible bushings to absorb and dissipate energy more gently, allowing for controlled energy release and maintaining the case pad level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If industrial shock absorbers with compression damping are used, then the impact can be absorbed, but the component life is short due to high-speed impacts damaging internal parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional compression-damping approach by using rebound damping instead. The shock absorber allows compression with minimal resistance during the impact phase, then uses rebound damping to control the return stroke, dissipating energy during the recovery phase rather than during the impact phase itself. This reversal protects internal components from high-speed impact damage while still providing effective shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The progressive linkage mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by gradually increasing the damping force during the rebound stroke. As the spring returns from compression, the progressive linkage progressively engages to dissipate energy, preventing sudden energy release that could damage components. This staged energy dissipation protects the system before damage can occur.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compression damping is used to absorb impact energy, then the shock is dampened, but the initial impact on articles is harsh due to high-speed viscous friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by allowing free compression and applying damping during rebound instead. This means articles experience minimal resistance during the critical initial impact phase, resulting in softer treatment of the dropped items. Energy dissipation is shifted to the rebound phase where it does not directly affect article integrity.
3Reliability
If shock absorbers are positioned under the load, then impact absorption is provided, but the case pad cannot be kept level causing violent rocking and article damage
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism acts as a counterbalancing system that compensates for the off-center positioning of shock absorbers. By mechanically coupling the case pad to the frame through the four-bar linkage, the system maintains the case pad in a level position even when shock absorbers are positioned to optimize impact absorption for various box sizes. This prevents violent rocking during the drop.
4Device complexity
If a flat case pad surface is used, then simple construction is achieved, but only compression forces are permitted and energy dissipation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static flat case pad into a dynamic system through the progressive linkage mechanism. The linkage allows the case pad to move through a controlled range of motion, enabling both compression and tension forces to be utilized. This dynamic capability significantly enhances energy dissipation while maintaining relatively simple construction, as the complexity is confined to the linkage mechanism rather than the case pad itself.
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
This solution extends the life of shock absorber components, reduces damage to articles by providing a softer initial impact and gentler energy dissipation, and prevents case pad rocking, resulting in reduced bottle breakage and prolonged equipment uptime.
Implementation Method 1
the shock absorber includes a compression spring and a damper that dissipates stored energy in a spring
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring and a damper that dissipates stored energy in a spring
Implementation Method 3
a damper that dissipates stored energy in a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A drop packing apparatus for accepting one or more articles into a case, the drop packaging apparatus including a case pad for accommodating the case and a progressive rate linkage connected with respect to the case pad. A shock absorber is connected with respect to the progressive rate linkage. A conveyor 90 or similar device is connected with respect to the drop packing apparatus to provide a stream of articles to the case.