Receptacle Feeder Using Stacked Vertical Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receptacle feeding systems are inefficient, operating at 30-40% efficiency, which affects production line rates and requires increased space to handle higher quantities, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel receptacle feeding system featuring a pocketed separator with rotating retention members and a discharge tube design that includes a tunnel with varying apertures to orient and deliver articles efficiently, along with a stacked feeder assembly and cam mechanisms to ensure proper orientation and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the diameter of the feeding system is increased to handle higher quantities of receptacles, then the quantity of receptacles handled is improved, but the floorspace occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement by stacking multiple feeder assemblies one above another. Each feeder assembly operates independently in its own plane, allowing the system to handle more receptacles without increasing the horizontal footprint. The vertical stacking enables multiple feeding operations to occur simultaneously in different elevation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple feeder assemblies are stacked vertically within a compact structure. The second feeder assembly is positioned above and partially within the vertical space occupied by the first feeder assembly, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining independent operation of each feeding mechanism.
2Productivity
If conventional feeding systems are used to maintain simple structure, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to 30-40% efficiency rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feeding system into multiple independent feeder assemblies, each responsible for a specific portion of the receptacle feeding process. Each assembly includes its own discharge tube, pockets, and retention members, allowing parallel operation and independent optimization of each segment, thereby increasing overall productivity without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates rotating components including rotating discharge tubes and rotating pockets that dynamically adjust the orientation and positioning of receptacles. The retention members rotate to release receptacles at optimal moments, and the discharge tubes rotate to deliver receptacles to the appropriate location, enabling precise control and higher efficiency in the feeding process.
Data Source
AI summary
An article feeder assembly having a pocketed separator and a discharge tube configured to deliver articles to the pocketed separator. Some embodiments include an initial feeder assembly in overlying relation with a track extending from the initial feeder assembly to the discharge tube. Articles are oriented in end-to-end orientation in the initial feeder assembly and delivered to the pocketed separator in vertical end-to-end orientation. As pocketed separator rotates with respect to discharge tube, vertical retention members pass through a tunnel in the discharge tube and rotate articles out of the discharge tube. The discharged articles are secured in pockets delineated by the retention members. Some embodiments use one or more cam mechanisms to properly orient the discharged articles as the pocketed separator rotates. Properly oriented articles are then delivered to an advancing mechanism, such as a conveyor system.