Puck Buffer Transport Layout for Continuous Batch Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for pucks in container handling systems face inefficiencies at the beginning and end of a batch, as well as during interruptions, leading to operational disruptions and a lack of available pucks for container handling machines.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a puck buffer system that allows for temporary storage and controlled coupling/uncoupling of pucks, using conveyor belts and control mechanisms to manage puck flow, ensuring optimal distribution during batch starts, ends, and interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pucks are transported continuously along a fixed puck transport track, then the container handling machine can operate continuously, but empty pucks are removed at the beginning of batches and additional pucks must be pre-fed, causing operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a puck buffer that pre-stores empty pucks before they are needed. At the beginning of a batch, empty pucks are already available in the buffer, eliminating the need for pre-feeding operations and allowing the container handling machine to start immediately without operational disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The puck buffer acts as an intermediary storage system between the container handling machine and the puck supply source. It decouples the machine operation from the puck supply timing, allowing the machine to operate continuously while managing puck availability independently through the buffer zone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If empty pucks are removed from the outflow at the beginning of each batch, then the container handling machine can process new containers, but there is a temporary lack of available pucks, causing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Empty pucks are pre-stored in the buffer zone before batches start. When containers are removed at the beginning of a batch, empty pucks are already available in the buffer to immediately replace them, ensuring continuous puck availability and preventing interruptions in the container transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The puck buffer creates a cushion of empty pucks that compensates for the temporary shortage that would occur when pucks are removed at batch start. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even during batch transitions, there are always enough pucks available for container transfer operations.
3Reliability
If additional pucks are pre-fed or post-fed to ensure availability, then puck shortages are prevented, but the puck transport system becomes more complex and requires additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The puck transport system is segmented into distinct zones: a fixed puck transport track and a separate movable puck buffer zone. This segmentation allows independent control of each zone, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable puck supply through the buffer's ability to store and release pucks as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The puck buffer is designed as a movable zone that can dynamically adjust its position and capacity along the transport track. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying puck demand without requiring complex fixed infrastructure, maintaining reliability while controlling system complexity through flexible, adaptive design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a transport device for transporting pucks (3) designed for container transport, comprising a puck transport track (4) for transporting pucks to and from a container processing machine. The transport device includes a puck buffer (11) from which pucks can be coupled into the puck transport track and to which pucks coupled out of the puck transport track can be fed.