Rotating Support Plate via Connecting Rod-Crank Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container conveying machines, such as carousel-type systems, are limited by fixed support plate configurations, complexity in electrical connections, and increased dimensions, which restrict flexibility and reduce the number of support plates due to the need for external control and energy sources for rotation.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a guide-based linear motor system featuring independently controllable main and auxiliary carriages, utilizing a connecting rod-crank mechanism to rotate the support plate, allowing for compact design and maintaining torque, with the carriages defining linear motors for precise control and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rack-and-pinion system is used to rotate the support plate, then the plate can be set in rotation, but the overall dimensions of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation function from the traditional rack-and-pinion system and implements it through a different mechanism: a support plate with an off-center hole that engages with a fixed pin. This removes the need for a large auxiliary carriage and rack system, significantly reducing the overall dimensions while maintaining the rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a moving rack to drive rotation, the patent inverts the approach by using a fixed pin and an off-center hole in the support plate. The rotation is achieved by the linear movement of the support plate itself engaging with the fixed pin, rather than a separate rotation mechanism
2Productivity
If a carousel structure is used, then support plates can be positioned for container treatment, but the structure becomes complicated with multiple electrical circuits and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves multiple functions: it supports the container, provides its own rotation mechanism through the off-center hole, and acts as part of the linear motor system. This self-service approach reduces the need for separate rotation motors and complex electrical connections that would be required in a traditional carousel system
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is designed as a multi-functional component that combines support, linear movement, and rotation capabilities. The off-center hole serves both as a structural feature and as the rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate rotation devices and reducing overall system complexity
3Volume of moving object
If the mutual distance between carriages is reduced to compact the system, then the overall dimensions decrease, but the torque required for rotation may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The off-center hole is strategically positioned at a specific distance from the center of the support plate. This preliminary design of the hole's position ensures that the lever arm is optimized to generate sufficient torque for rotation while maintaining a compact overall system dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the support plate by creating an off-center hole with a specific offset distance. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both compact dimensions and sufficient torque, as the offset distance creates an effective lever arm for rotation without requiring a large overall structure
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 enables flexible and efficient rotation of container support plates with reduced overall dimensions, maintaining sufficient torque and simplifying the machine's complexity, while allowing for precise control and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The main carriage and the auxiliary carriage, both associated to the guide, respectively define a main linear motor and an auxiliary linear motor
Implementation Method 2
The actuating means comprises at least one connecting rod and at least one crank, generally having a "U"-profile and two appendages along the rotation axis thereof, operatively connected to one another and interposed between the main carriage and the auxiliary carriage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A machine (100) for conveying containers, comprising: a guide (1 ); a main carriage (2) for transporting containers slidably mounted on the guide (1 ); an auxiliary carriage (3) slidably mounted on the guide (1 ); a plate (4) for supporting a container mounted on the main carriage (2) and able to rotate about an axis (5) of the container; actuating means (6) connected to the plate (4) and configured to set the plate (4) in rotation about the axis (5) of the container; a control unit (7) electrically connected to the guide (1 ) and configured for controlling the sliding of the main carriage (2) and the auxiliary carriage (3) on the guide (1 ) and a mutual distance thereof. The actuating means (6) comprises a connecting rod (6a) and a crank (6b) connected to one another and interposed. The control unit (7) varies the mutual distance between the main carriage (2) and the auxiliary carriage (3) so as to activate the connecting rod (6a) and the crank (6b) and consequently move the plate (4).