Rotatable Transfer Device for Flexible Flat Product Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for moving and grouping flat products, such as cookies, lack flexibility and efficiency in handling products of varying sizes and configurations, leading to discrepancies in product flow and potential damage during transfer.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first guide with a conveyor device, a rotatable transfer device with adjustable positioning, and a linear motor with independently movable trolleys that can form groups of products in different configurations by selectively controlling the movement of trolleys to accommodate diverse product requirements and anomalies in product flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transfer device is used to move products from the first guide to the second guide, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus lacks flexibility to handle products of varying sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is made rotatable about a transversal axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation and positioning. This dynamic capability enables the same transfer device to accommodate products of varying sizes and configurations by changing its angular position, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device serves multiple functions: it transfers products between guides, accommodates varying product sizes through rotation, and can be positioned at different angles to handle diverse product configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer device is positioned fixedly to ensure stable product transfer, then the transfer is reliable, but the apparatus cannot form groups of products in different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable transfer device can dynamically adjust its position to form groups in different configurations (vertical stacks, side-by-side arrangements) while maintaining reliable product transfer through controlled rotational movement. The system can pause rotation at specific angles to ensure stable group formation without compromising transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device can preliminarily position products at specific angular orientations before final group formation. This preliminary positioning action ensures that products are correctly aligned and stable before the group is formed, maintaining transfer reliability while enabling diverse configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus uses a simple conveyor system, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot accommodate discrepancies and anomalies in product flow
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates control means that monitor product flow and can detect discrepancies or anomalies. Based on this feedback, the system can adjust the transfer device's rotational speed, position, or timing to compensate for flow variations, ensuring reliable operation even with simple conveyor hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically change operational parameters such as the rotational speed of the transfer device, the angle at which products are transferred, or the timing of transfer operations. These parameter adjustments allow the apparatus to adapt to varying product flow conditions without requiring complex hardware modifications.
4Productivity
If the transfer device operates at high speed to increase production rate, then productivity is improved, but product damage may occur during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable transfer device can dynamically adjust its rotational speed to match the conveyor's product flow speed. This dynamic speed matching allows the system to operate at high productivity levels while maintaining gentle, controlled transfers that prevent product damage. The device can accelerate or decelerate as needed to ensure safe transfer conditions.
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 enables flexible grouping of products in various configurations, such as vertical or side-by-side arrangements, while minimizing product damage through controlled movement and positioning, thereby enhancing production rate and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor including a closed loop stator having a length located below said second guide, and a plurality of trolleys moving independently of one another along said stator
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus for moving and grouping flat products (10) having two main faces (14) and a perimeter edge (12), comprising: a first guide (16) to which a conveyor device (20) is associated in order to advance the products (10) along a direction of advancement (18); a transfer device (20) located downstream of the first guide (16) and rotatably mounted about a transversal axis (34) and having one seat (46) for housing one of the products (10); a second guide (22) arranged downstream of the transfer device (20), having a bottom wall (58) with a longitudinal slot (60) and being adapted to receive the products (10) once unloaded from the transfer device (20); and a linear motor including a closed loop stator (24) having a length (64) located below the second guide (22), and trolleys (68a, 68b) movable independently from each other along the stator (24), and having a pin (74) which protrudes through said longitudinal slot (60), bringing about the formation of groups (84, 92) of products (10) on the second guide (22), wherein said transfer device (20) is selectively movable so as not to interfere, if desired, with the transfer of products (10) from the first guide (16) to the second guide (22).