Rotating Disc Ejection Mechanism for Packaging Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face long cycle times and high component loads when removing 'bad' products from the production line, as current ejection methods involve large masses and uneven movements, limiting machine performance.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a rotationally driven, asymmetrical disc ejection device that rotates into a release position to quickly remove products from the transport surface, utilizing a thrust device to ensure efficient and safe ejection, and synchronized disk rotation to minimize space and enhance speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pivotable bottom flap or displaceable bottom plate is used to eject bad products, then the product can be separated from the transport line, but the cycle time becomes very long and machine performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static or slowly moving ejection mechanisms (pivotable flaps, displaceable plates) with a rapidly rotating disc. The disc can quickly transition between covering and opening the gap, enabling fast ejection of defective products. The rotational motion allows the disc to cover the gap during normal transport and rapidly open it for ejection, significantly reducing the ejection cycle duration and improving machine productivity.
2Strength
If large masses are moved in the ejection mechanism (pivotable bottom flap or displaceable bottom plate), then the structure can support product ejection, but uneven movements occur and high loads are placed on components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ejection function into two independent parts: a lightweight rotating disc that opens/closes the gap and a separate thrust device that applies force to the product. The disc itself has minimal mass and requires little force to rotate, while the thrust device provides the necessary ejection force. This segmentation reduces the mass that must be moved and decreases the loads on the disc mechanism, while still maintaining the ability to eject products effectively.
3Productivity
If the bottom part is moved out of the transport surface to eject products, then bad products can be removed, but the transport surface restoration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the rotational motion of the disc, which continuously alternates between covering and opening positions. The disc rotates periodically, allowing it to quickly open the gap for ejection and then rapidly return to cover the gap for normal transport. This periodic rotational action minimizes the time the transport surface is open and maximizes the time available for productive transport, reducing the loss of time while maintaining ejection efficiency.
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
Significantly reduces cycle time and minimizes product damage by using fast, synchronized disk movements and a thrust device to efficiently eject defective products, improving overall machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a rotationally driven disc with a rotationally asymmetrical cross-section, which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
the product can fall down through the gap
Implementation Method 3
a thrust device is arranged above the gap, by means of which a force directed into the gap can be applied to a product lying underneath
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging machine, in which products (P, PI) can be moved in a row along a predetermined transport surface, comprising an ejection device (10), in which a predetermined product can be removed from the row. The ejection device has a least one bottom part (11) which can be displaced between a functional position, in which the bottom part forms a section of the transport surface, and a release position, in which the bottom part is moved out of the transport surface. According to the invention, the bottom part is a rotationally driven disk (12) having a rotationally asymmetrical cross section, which is mounted such that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (19). Arranged above the gap (15) is a thrust device (20), by means of which a force directed into the gap can be applied to a product lying underneath. Two disks, which preferably engage in a gap in the transport surface from opposite sides, are preferably arranged one next to the other at a distance.