Reciprocating Beam Conveyor With Electromagnetic Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pouch handling machines with reciprocating beam conveyors face challenges in increasing processing speed and accommodating various pouch dimensions and shapes, while also preventing liquid sloshing and spillage during filling and sealing processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a pouch handling machine with a reciprocating beams conveyor system utilizing electromagnetic linear actuators, controlled by an electronic controller with customizable motion profiles for different pouch types, allowing for precise control of speed, acceleration, and deceleration, and independent forward and return motion speeds to optimize processing efficiency and prevent liquid sloshing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the processing speed is increased to improve productivity, then the hourly output increases, but liquid sloshing and spillage occurs during filling and sealing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehourly processing speedVSAvoidliquid sloshing and spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing adjustable motion profiles that dynamically control the reciprocating beams' acceleration and deceleration rates. The system can adapt the speed characteristics based on the pouch type and liquid viscosity, allowing high productivity while preventing liquid sloshing through optimized dynamic parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by implementing variable acceleration and deceleration rates for the reciprocating beams. Different motion profiles with specific acceleration/deceleration parameters are selected based on pouch dimensions and liquid properties, enabling the system to maintain high speed operation without causing liquid spillage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the reciprocating beam speed is increased to improve processing efficiency, then the cycle time decreases, but the alignment precision of pouches with stations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidpouch alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action through the reciprocating motion of the beams, which move back and forth in a controlled cycle. The motion profile is designed with specific acceleration, constant velocity, and deceleration phases that ensure pouches are properly positioned at each station during the periodic cycle, maintaining alignment precision while achieving high processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If a fixed motion profile is used to simplify the control system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to various pouch dimensions and shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidaccommodation of pouch variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic motion profiles that can be adjusted based on pouch characteristics. The controller selects appropriate acceleration and deceleration parameters from a library of predefined profiles, allowing the system to adapt to different pouch types without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving high versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables increased hourly processing speed, accurate alignment of pouches with stations, and reduced risk of liquid spillage, especially when handling low-viscosity liquids, by optimizing the motion profiles of the reciprocating beams, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the machine.

Implementation Method 1

the longitudinal reciprocating motion drive mechanism comprises a left-hand side and a right-hand side electromagnetic linear actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3655353B1A pouch handling machine with reciprocating beams conveyor.
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 BOSSAR PACKAGING SA
  • EP3655353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3655353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3655353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pouch handling machine comprises and a series of pouch related process stations. A reciprocating beams conveyor advances pouches intermittently along the stations. The conveyor comprises a left-hand side and a right-hand side elongated reciprocating beams, each provided along the length thereof with pouch retention members. A left-hand side and a right-hand side support member, each support reciprocating beams and form a linear guide of the reciprocating beams. A left-hand side and a right-hand side electromagnetic linear actuator are provided, each being mounted between the respective reciprocating beams and the respective support member to cause an intermittent reciprocating motion of the reciprocating beams in the longitudinal direction thereof. These actuators are linked to an electronic controller that is adapted to synchronize the motions of the actuators. A transverse motion mechanism causes a periodic transverse motion of the left-hand side and a right-hand side support members away from and towards one another.