Object Take-Off Roller with Rotatable Actuator for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object transfer devices on conveyor belts, such as those used for eggs, suffer from reliability issues due to actuator rod collisions and require frequent maintenance, leading to reduced processing speeds and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a linear actuator system that includes a free tilting mechanism for the actuator rod, using a spring or magnetic attraction to prevent collisions and ensure safe return to the folded position, allowing high-speed operation and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional cylinder actuator is used in the take-off roller, then the device can operate at high speeds, but the actuator rod collides with subsequent gripping tools causing deterioration and requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator is made rotatable instead of fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. When a collision risk is detected or the actuator fails to return in time, it can rotate to avoid being struck by subsequent gripping tools, thereby preventing damage and extending service life while maintaining high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's orientation parameter is changed from fixed to variable. By allowing rotation, the system changes the spatial configuration parameter of the actuator rod, enabling it to move out of the collision path while maintaining its gripping function, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability
2Productivity
If the actuator rod does not return quickly to its initial position, then high processing speeds can be maintained, but the cylinder is violently struck by subsequent gripping tools
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable mechanism provides a pre-prepared escape path for the actuator rod. Instead of relying solely on quick return to avoid collisions, the system has a predetermined rotational degree of freedom that allows the actuator to proactively avoid impact damage, cushioning against the harmful effect of collisions before they occur
3Reliability
If the cylinder is designed to return quickly to its initial position, then collision damage is prevented, but the processing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing the return speed of the actuator rod, the system introduces rotational dynamics. The actuator can rotate to avoid collisions, eliminating the need for extremely fast return mechanisms. This maintains processing speed while ensuring reliability through a different protective mechanism
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
The apparatus achieves high reliability and processing rates exceeding 90,000 eggs per hour with reduced maintenance needs, ensuring safe and efficient transfer of objects like eggs on high-speed conveyors.
Implementation Method 1
said return member to return said linear actuator from its disengaged position to its engaged position when the free end of said actuator is in its folded position or in a position in which said rod is not able to interact with a gripping member in its rest position
Implementation Method 2
said return member to return said linear actuator from its disengaged position to its engaged position when the free end of said actuator is in its folded position or in a position in which said rod is not able to interact with a gripping member in its rest position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transferring objects is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an object take-off roller (10) equipped with members (11) for individually gripping objects. The apparatus comprises at least a linear actuator (13), placed in the interior volume defined by the roller. This actuator (13) moves a gripping member (11) with its free end movable between a folded position and a deployed position. In this last position, this free end contacts a gripping member (11). This actuator (13) being rotationally mobile between an engaged position and a disengaged position, is freely moved between these positions when it comes into contact with another gripping member (11) in its rest position. A return member (15) returns the actuator to its engaged position when its free end is in a position in which it is not able to interact with a gripping member (11) in its rest position.