Rotary Link Apparatus for High-Speed Packaging Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weighing and packaging systems face difficulties in supplying objects from a weighing machine with a fixed discharge outlet to package bags being conveyed at high speed, as the fixed position of the discharge outlet makes it challenging to align with the moving package bags.

Innovation Solution

A packaging apparatus comprising a link apparatus with funnel-shaped chutes and a conveyor system that rotates to align the discharge outlets with the moving package bags, allowing objects to be discharged from the weighing machine into the chutes and subsequently into the package bags, ensuring efficient supply at high speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If package bags are conveyed at high speed, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to align the fixed discharge outlet with the moving package bags

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance speedVSAvoidalignment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the discharge outlet movable rather than fixed. The discharge outlet is mounted on a movable mechanism that can adjust its position to follow the moving package bags, enabling synchronization between the high-speed conveyance and the discharge operation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the discharge outlet to adapt dynamically to the changing position of package bags during conveyance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the fixed discharge outlet and the moving package bags. This intermediary is a movable positioning mechanism that acts as a bridge, transferring objects from the stationary weighing machine to the moving package bags while maintaining proper alignment during high-speed conveyance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a fixed discharge outlet is used, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot supply objects to rapidly moving package bags

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge outlet structureVSAvoidsupply capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static discharge outlet into a dynamic component with movable positioning capability. This allows the discharge outlet to maintain proper alignment with rapidly moving package bags while supplying objects, thereby enhancing productivity without requiring an entirely complex reconfiguration of the discharge system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the discharge outlet into separable components that can move independently. By dividing the discharge outlet structure into modular segments mounted on movable mechanisms, the system achieves the ability to track and supply to high-speed package bags while keeping each segment relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the successful supply of objects from a weighing machine with fixed discharge outlets to package bags being conveyed rapidly, enhancing the efficiency of the packaging process by synchronizing the discharge and conveyance speeds.

Implementation Method 1

a conveyor means which conveys the plural chutes along a revolving path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Implementation Method 2

funnel-shaped chutes which are respectively supplied with objects to be packaged through entrances at upper portions thereof and respectively discharge the objects through exits at lower portions thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2128030B1Packaging apparatus with link apparatus and packaging machine
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 KAWANISHI SHOZO
  • EP2128030B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2128030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2128030B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided are a link apparatus which is capable of supplying objects to be weighed which have been discharged from a weighing machine to package bags being conveyed successively at a high speed, a weighing apparatus using the link apparatus, a packaging apparatus using the link apparatus, and a weighing and packaging system using the link apparatus. A link apparatus (30) of the present invention comprises plural funnel-shaped chutes (32) which are respectively supplied with objects to be weighed through entrances at upper portions thereof and respectively discharge the objects to be weighed through exits at lower portions thereof; and a rotary board (31) which conveys the plural chutes (32) along a revolving path in a state where the exits of the respective chutes (32) are arranged in one line in a direction along the revolving path, the revolving path including a first area (IV) under which package bags (P3) arranged in one line are conveyed in the direction along the revolving path, the first area being a part of the revolving path; wherein the entrances of the chutes (32) are formed by openings which are elongated in the direction along the revolving path; and wherein the rotary board (31) is configured to convey the chutes such that the exits of the chutes (32) are respectively located above the package bags (P3) in the first area (IV).