Rake Conveyor Intermittent Transport for Pharma Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw conveyors in the pharmaceutical industry are limited by their inability to operate intermittently and require format-dependent screw adjustments for different container sizes, making them inflexible for accommodating various container formats.
Innovation Solution
A rake conveyor system with pivot systems connected to drives, allowing for adjustable and intermittent movement of upright containers, featuring receiving sections and an opposing support element, enabling flexible adjustment and precise control for different container sizes and formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If screw conveyors are used to transport containers, then continuous transport is achieved, but intermittent operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system uses a dynamic belt mechanism that can switch between continuous movement and stationary positions, allowing the conveyor to adapt its motion state based on operational requirements. The belt can be driven forward for transport and stopped for intermittent operations, providing both continuous and intermittent functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the conveyor belt, specifically the motion state (moving vs. stationary), to enable both continuous and intermittent transport modes. By controlling the drive mechanism, the belt can operate in different states to meet varying production requirements.
2Productivity
If screw conveyors are used, then container transport is achieved, but format changes require screw replacement or readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions and can accommodate different container formats without requiring component changes. The universal belt design allows it to handle various container sizes and types by simply adjusting the belt position or configuration, rather than replacing format-specific screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable and movable components (the belt and its supporting structure) that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different container formats. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for screw replacement when changing container types.
3Device complexity
If fixed screw configurations are used, then simple design is maintained, but flexibility for different container sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic elements (movable belt, adjustable supports) that allow the simple conveyor structure to adapt to different container sizes. The basic belt mechanism remains simple, but its ability to move and adjust provides the needed flexibility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The device for transporting upright containers in a straight line includes a rake conveyor comprising multiple receiving sections for the containers and an opposing support element for the containers carried in the receiving sections. The rake conveyor is connected to two drives by at least two pivot systems, each with two arms, in such a way that the rake conveyor can be pushed back and forth both in the transport direction of the containers and also in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers.