Rotating Conveyance Phase Detection for Container Transfer Synchronization

Solution Overview

Problem

Phase shifts in rotating conveyance bodies due to mechanical damage or deterioration lead to interference and inefficiencies in delivering and receiving containers, particularly in beverage filling machines.

Innovation Solution

A conveyance device with a rotating electrical machine, a phase detection unit, and a control unit that compares first and second phase information to detect and prevent phase shifts by controlling rotational driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rotating conveyance body is used to continuously convey articles at high speed, then productivity is improved, but phase shift occurs due to mechanical element damage or deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous conveyance speedVSAvoidphase position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of phase shifts by comparing the actual position of mechanical elements (detected by sensors) with the commanded position from the control unit. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify phase shifts before they cause interference between upstream and downstream conveyance bodies, enabling preventive correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual position of mechanical elements is continuously detected and fed back to the control unit. The control unit compares this feedback information with the commanded position and adjusts the drive signals to correct any phase shifts, thereby maintaining synchronization between multiple conveyance bodies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple rotating conveyance bodies operate in sequence for container delivery and receipt, then productivity is improved, but interference occurs due to phase shift between bodies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer processing throughputVSAvoidinterference between conveyance bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of phase shifts by comparing the actual position of mechanical elements (detected by sensors) with the commanded position from the control unit. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify phase shifts before they cause interference between upstream and downstream conveyance bodies, enabling preventive correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual position of mechanical elements is continuously detected and fed back to the control unit. The control unit compares this feedback information with the commanded position and adjusts the drive signals to correct any phase shifts, thereby maintaining synchronization between multiple conveyance bodies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If mechanical elements are operated continuously under load, then productivity is improved, but damage or deterioration occurs causing phase shift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical element integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual position of mechanical elements is continuously detected and fed back to the control unit. The control unit compares this feedback information with the commanded position and adjusts the drive signals to correct any phase shifts, thereby maintaining synchronization between multiple conveyance bodies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing mechanical elements and sensors to self-diagnose phase shifts by comparing commanded versus actual positions. This self-service capability allows the system to detect and correct issues caused by mechanical wear or damage without external intervention, maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4603426A1Conveyance device, detection device, and phase shift determination method

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND MACHINERY SYST LTD

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AI summary

This conveyance device for an article comprises: a rotating electrical machine having a drive shaft; a rotating body that includes a driven shaft connected to the drive shaft and conveys the article; a phase detection unit that detects the phase of periodic rotational motion of the rotating body; and a control unit that controls rotational driving of the rotating electrical machine. The control unit determines the phase shift of the rotating body by comparing first phase information regarding rotational driving acquired from the rotating electrical machine and second phase information regarding rotational motion of the rotating body acquired from the phase detection unit.