Rotating Conveyor Lifts Containers to Prevent Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging container handling systems contaminate machine parts when improperly sealed containers leak during transfer, requiring manual intervention and machine shutdown for cleaning and sorting, which disrupts the filling process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a support member with a rotating conveyor that lifts containers at a transfer position from a lower conveying level to an upright removal plane, allowing for automated sorting of defective containers by conveying them in an opposite direction to prevent leakage and contamination, eliminating the need for continuous operator presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packaging containers are conveyed horizontally at a constant level through the filling and transfer stations, then the conveying process is simple and continuous, but improperly sealed containers leak liquid that contaminates machine parts and requires manual intervention and shutdown for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical dimensionality change by lifting improperly sealed containers from the horizontal conveying plane into a vertical removal position. The support member rotates between a conveying position (horizontal) and a removal position (vertical), where defective containers are ejected upward through ejection openings. This dimensional transition prevents liquid from flowing down onto machine parts while maintaining continuous operation of the filling line.
2Reliability
If an operator continuously monitors the transfer position to remove defective containers, then contamination can be addressed, but the operator must frequently stop the filling machine for cleaning and sorting, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting and removing defective containers through the rotating support member with sensor-equipped arms. The sensors identify improperly sealed containers, and the rotating mechanism automatically positions and ejects them into collection containers, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and continuous machine shutdowns for cleaning and sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the filling station and the removal station. It temporarily holds containers during rotation, allowing defective ones to be ejected vertically into collection containers while proper containers continue through the filling process. This intermediary mechanism separates the contamination removal function from the main production flow, maintaining continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If defective containers are removed by hand from the second conveyor, then sorting can be performed, but the operator must be constantly present and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated detection and removal system. Sensors mounted on rotating arms detect defective containers, and the system automatically positions and ejects them using mechanical ejection mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for constant operator presence while maintaining effective sorting capability.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transporting packaging containers for liquid filling material from a filling machine. In order to avoid contamination of machine parts by packaging containers not perfectly closed and to enable the automated sorting out of defective packaging containers, a method comprising the following steps is specified: conveying the packaging containers (19) in a conveying direction (25) in cycles by means of a carrying element (17, 18) of at least one first conveying means, lifting the packaging containers (19) during the standstill of the first conveying means, transferring the packaging containers (19) to at least one second conveying means (39), and conveying the packaging containers (19) in the transport plane in one of two transport directions (45, 54) of each second conveying means (39) extending opposite each other, which transport directions extend perpendicularly to the conveying direction (25) of each first conveying means. The invention further relates to a device for transporting packaging containers (19).