Rod-Shaped Transport Elements Dynamic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging and transport systems face challenges in efficiently adapting to different product sizes during format changes, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming reconfiguration processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize rod-shaped working elements driven by a circumferential means, with a control unit determining and adjusting fastening positions based on transport unit dimensions, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of transport routes and packaging processes without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration of dividing rods and packaging rods is performed during format changes, then the system can adapt to different product sizes, but the reconfiguration process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different product sizesVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the transport route by allowing rods to be automatically repositioned along the circumferential transport path based on detected product dimensions. The control unit dynamically calculates optimal fastening positions and actuates the rods to new positions without manual intervention, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to different product sizes while minimizing reconfiguration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-reconfiguration by automatically detecting product dimensions, calculating appropriate rod spacing, and repositioning the rods along the transport path. The control unit autonomously manages the entire adaptation process, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly reducing format changeover time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pre-assembled divider strips are used for different products, then the system can handle various product dimensions, but the device complexity and assembly work increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to handle various product dimensionsVSAvoidnumber of pre-assembled components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal transport route with circumferentially movable rods that can serve multiple product formats. Instead of requiring separate pre-assembled divider strips for different products, a single adaptable rod system can be repositioned along the circumferential path to accommodate various product dimensions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The transport route is segmented into multiple adjustable positions along the circumferential path, allowing individual rods to be independently repositioned. This segmentation enables flexible configuration for different product sizes without requiring complete replacement of pre-assembled strips, simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3645404B1Transport track and method for adapting to dimensions of transport units
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 KRONES AG
  • EP3645404B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A modifiable system (1) for transporting and acting on transport units (3) having at least one article is disclosed. The system comprises a transport route, formed by the system (1), for moving transport units (3), a control and/or regulating unit (S), which can receive information relating to dimensions of the transport units (3) to be moved along the transport route, at least one drive means (13, 13') that is guided preferably in circulation, and at least two working elements (6, 6') which are formed preferably in a rod-shaped manner and which can be arranged on the at least one drive means (6, 6') that is guided preferably in circulation. According to the invention, the control and/or regulating unit (S) is configured, by means of the information, to specify, determine and/or set fastening positions, associated with dimensions of the transport units (3) to be moved along the transport route, for the at least two working elements (6, 6'), formed preferably in a rod-shaped manner, on the at least one drive means (13, 13'), and the system (1) comprises at least one handling device (30) which is connected to the control and/or regulating unit (S) and which is configured by the control and/or regulating unit (S) to grasp and move the at least two working elements (6, 6'), formed preferably in a rod-shaped manner, in the direction of respective specified, determined and/or set fastening positions.