Reversible Rotor Sorting for In-Line Conductor Rod Rejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sorting processes for stator bars in electrodynamic machine production are time-consuming, particularly when retracting chutes to sort out faulty conductor rods, which reduces the cycle rate of conductor rod manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A sorting machine with a rotor that can rotate in two opposite directions, equipped with receptacles for conductor rods, a feed device, a guide device, and an ejection device, allowing for efficient sorting by rotating the rotor to either transfer or eject conductor rods without interrupting the production cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chute is retracted to sort out faulty conductor rods, then faulty rods can be removed from the production process, but the cycle rate at which conductor rods are manufactured must be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting capabilityVSAvoidcycle rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor is designed to rotate dynamically in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions based on the sorting requirements. This dynamic reversibility allows the system to adapt its rotation direction to achieve both transfer and ejection functions without mechanical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between sorting capability and production cycle rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor serves multiple functions: it can transfer conductor rods to the transfer point, eject faulty rods to the collection device, and do both operations within a single production cycle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sorting mechanisms that would slow down production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the rotor rotates to transfer conductor rods to the transfer point, then conductor rods can be passed to subsequent processing, but faulty rods cannot be sorted out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidsorting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor's rotation direction is dynamically controlled based on the status of conductor rods. When all rods are good, it rotates to transfer them efficiently. When faulty rods are detected, it reverses direction to eject them, achieving both high transfer efficiency and reliable sorting capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4304063B1Sorting machine and production system and sorting method for rod conductors
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 FELSOMAT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4304063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4304063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4304063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sorting machine (10) for extension ladders (14) comprising: - a rotor (42) rotatable in two opposite directions about a rotational axis (40) with at least two circumferentially offset receptacles (38) for each extension ladder (14); - a feeding device (32), in particular a gripper (34), for moving one extension ladder (14) to a receptacle (38) of the rotor (42) located at a receiving point (36); - a guiding device (66) for guiding the extension ladder (14) picked up at the receiving point (36) by one of the receptacles (38) from the receiving point (36) to a transfer point (52) when the rotor (42) rotates in a first direction (48); - a discharge device (78) for discharging the extension ladder picked up at the receiving point (36) by one of the receptacles (38) when the rotor (42) rotates in a second direction (50). (14) can be seen from the recording (38).The sorting machine enables the accelerated sorting of pole ladders that are not to be passed on to a subsequent process.