Rotating Disc Locating Device for Conveyor Puck Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems lack flexibility and precision in holding and diverting pallets or pucks to specific positions for operations, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to objects due to inadequate locating accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A locating device with a rotating disc and resilient means that diverts and holds pucks in a predefined position next to the conveyor track, using position defining elements and resilient elements to ensure high repeatability and accuracy without requiring external conveying or holding means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional stop mechanisms are used to hold pallets at work stations, then the system structure remains simple, but the locating accuracy is insufficient causing work piece damage or poor operation quality
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base portion with a V-shaped groove for positioning, a rotating disc with a puck recess for diverting and holding, and resilient means for applying holding force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means act as an intermediary element between the rotating disc and the puck, providing the necessary holding force without requiring complex mechanical constraints. This intermediary component enables precise locating while keeping the overall device structure simple and maintenance-free.
2Reliability
If pucks are diverted to a sub-conveyor for operations, then the operation can be performed without influence from the conveyor track, but extra space, extra sub-conveyor, and diverting means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device merges the diverting function and the holding function into a single integrated unit positioned directly at the work station. The rotating disc on the base portion combines the puck reception, diversion from the conveyor track, and stationary holding functions, eliminating the need for separate sub-conveyors and diverting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a stop mechanism, a positioning device with V-shaped groove, a diverter from the main conveyor, and a holding station during operations. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the conveyor system while maintaining operation independence.
3Manufacturing precision
If sensors and external holding means are used to position and hold work pieces, then the positioning accuracy can be maintained, but the solution becomes more complicated than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device is designed to be self-positioning through its geometric features. The V-shaped groove on the base portion and the puck recess on the rotating disc automatically guide and position the puck without requiring external sensors or complex feedback systems. The resilient means provide automatic holding force, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complicated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive and complex sensor-based positioning systems with simple, robust mechanical features. The V-shaped groove and puck recess are straightforward mechanical elements that provide repeatable positioning through their geometry alone, eliminating the need for costly sensors and control systems while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and precise method to hold pucks in a specific position, reducing wait times and increasing system capacity by allowing operations to be performed efficiently without affecting the conveyor track, and enabling scalable conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient element holds the puck in the locating position
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a locating device for holding a puck in a locating position in a conveyer system, comprising a base portion, a rail section, and a rotating disc rotatable supported in the base portion and having a puck recess, where the locating device comprises a locating position between the puck recess of the rotating disc and a positioning means in the rail section, and that the locating device comprises resilient means adapted to hold a puck in the locating position.