Ramp Pivoting Mechanism for Container Re-orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tunnel washers and dryers orient containers with an open side facing down, making it necessary to manually re-orient them for bedding dispensing, which is inefficient and requires additional handling steps.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a ramp that receives containers in a first orientation, imparts angular momentum through pivoting, and includes an obstruction to change their orientation from open side down to open side up, facilitating automatic re-orientation on a discharge path for subsequent processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are oriented open side down on the conveyor belt for washing and drying, then washing and drying effectiveness is improved, but additional re-orientation equipment is required to prepare containers for bedding dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The container itself serves as the re-orientation mechanism. By positioning the container with its open side down on the inclined ramp, gravity causes the container to naturally flip over as it slides down, converting its own weight and motion into the re-orientation action without requiring external mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined ramp creates a gravitational potential energy difference that drives the re-orientation process. The container transitions from a higher potential energy state at the top of the ramp to a lower state at the bottom, with the gravitational force providing the necessary torque to flip the container from open side down to open side up orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual re-orientation is performed, then flexibility in handling different container types is maintained, but labor requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic gravity-based re-orientation system eliminates manual labor while maintaining adaptability. The system works with any container that can be positioned on the ramp and will naturally flip due to gravity, providing versatility without requiring operators to physically handle each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of re-orienting containers with an automatic gravity-based mechanical system. The inclined ramp and container geometry work together to automatically perform the re-orientation function that previously required human operators.
3Device complexity
If a fixed ramp structure is used for re-orientation, then structural simplicity is maintained, but accommodation of various container sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the re-orientation surface and the discharge mechanism. The same inclined plane that enables the flip motion also serves as the path for containers to exit the system, eliminating the need for separate structural components for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates various container sizes by utilizing the gravitational parameter rather than fixed geometric constraints. As long as the container can be positioned on the ramp and has a center of gravity that allows it to flip, the system works regardless of the specific dimensions, making the structure universally applicable to different container types.
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
Automates the re-orientation of containers, reducing manual handling and enabling efficient processing by ensuring containers are correctly positioned for bedding dispensing, accommodating various container sizes without special configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp is configured to pivot to impart an angular acceleration to the container to provide sufficient angular momentum to cause a center of gravity of the container to move past a point of support causing the container to change orientation
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus further includes an obstruction located at the second end of the ramp. The obstruction is configured to contact a leading edge of the container to arrest a sliding motion of the container down the ramp
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for changing orientation of a container to facilitate subsequent processing of the container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ramp having a first end and a second end. The ramp is disposed to receive the container from the feed path in a first orientation and to cause the container to slide down the ramp toward the second end of the ramp. The apparatus also includes an obstruction located at the second end of the ramp. The obstruction is configured to contact a leading edge of the container to arrest a sliding motion of the container down the ramp. The ramp is configured to pivot to impart an angular acceleration to the container to provide sufficient angular momentum to cause a center of gravity of the container to move past the leading edge causing the container to change orientation such that the container is received on the discharge path in a second orientation.