Rotary Buffer Device for Compact Container Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer apparatuses in filling technology require significant space and do not effectively reduce the forces acting on containers, limiting their operational efficiency and flexibility in handling errors in pasteurizers, inspection machines, and dry sections.
Innovation Solution
A compact buffer apparatus with drivable conveyor belts that can transport containers transversely, featuring a container feed apparatus, a buffer, and a container discharge apparatus, allowing for flexible direction changes and speed control to manage container flow and buffer operation during faults, with a control method to adjust fill levels based on error data for optimal buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional buffer apparatuses are used to buffer containers in filling technology, then buffering capacity is provided, but a large amount of space is required and forces acting on containers are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the traditional linear buffer arrangement by introducing a rotary buffer mechanism that moves containers in a circular path. This dimensional change from linear to rotational movement allows the buffer to occupy significantly less floor space while maintaining the same buffering capacity, as containers circulate through a compact rotary mechanism rather than requiring extended linear conveyor space
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer is divided into multiple independent buffer positions arranged radially around the rotary mechanism. Each buffer position can independently hold containers, allowing the system to provide substantial buffering capacity through segmentation into discrete holding zones rather than requiring a continuous large-area linear buffer
2Quantity of substance
If traditional buffer apparatuses are used, then buffering is provided, but forces acting on containers are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from linear conveyor-based buffering to a rotary buffer mechanism, the patent changes the direction and nature of forces acting on containers. The rotational movement provides gentler, more distributed forces compared to the abrupt starts, stops, and directional changes in linear conveyor systems, thereby reducing stress on containers while maintaining buffering functionality
3Reliability
If multiple buffers are provided between filler, pasteurizer, inspection machine and dry section, then errors in individual machines can be rectified without stopping the entire production line, but a large amount of space is required for mass transport
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary buffer mechanism serves multiple buffering functions simultaneously - it can buffer containers between filler and pasteurizer, between pasteurizer and inspection machine, and between inspection machine and dry section. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated buffers for each machine interface, thereby providing comprehensive error management capability while occupying minimal space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple buffer functions into a single integrated rotary buffer system. Instead of having separate linear buffers positioned between each machine pair, the rotary mechanism combines all buffering operations into one compact unit, reducing total space requirements while maintaining the ability to decouple individual machine operations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a buffer device comprising a container feed device, a buffer which is arranged downstream of the container feed device, and a container discharge device which is arranged downstream of the buffer. In order to feed containers to the buffer, the container feed device is designed to transport containers in a first direction by means of first conveyor belts. The buffer comprises a drivable buffer belt or multiple drivable buffer belts which are parallel to one another and each of which is designed to transport containers in a second direction, said second direction running transversely to the first direction. The container discharge device is designed to discharge and separate containers from the buffer in the first direction or in a third direction which is opposite the first direction.