Screw Distributor for Multi-Entrance Capsule Feeding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for arranging and feeding coffee capsules to multi-entrance filling machines require numerous photocells, bulky and expensive conveyor belts, high energy consumption, and complex maintenance, leading to increased costs and system failures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single conveying path combined with a screw distributor, which reduces the need for sensors and conveyor size, weight, and energy consumption, while allowing for efficient distribution of capsules to multiple entrances using a helical worm screw and guide system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple parallel conveying paths are used to feed capsules to each entrance of the filling machine, then the filling machine can receive and process multiple capsules simultaneously, but the system requires a large number of photocells, bulky conveyor belts, high energy consumption, and complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple parallel conveying paths into a single conveying path that serves all entrances of the filling machine. The screw distributor is designed with multiple outlets aligned with the entrances, allowing capsules to be distributed to multiple destinations through one conveyor, thereby reducing the number of photocells and simplifying the conveyor structure while maintaining simultaneous handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveying path is designed to serve multiple functions by feeding capsules to all entrances of the filling machine through the multi-outlet screw distributor. This universal design allows one conveyor to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated conveyors, reducing complexity while maintaining productivity
2Productivity
If a wide conveyor belt with multiple parallel paths is used, then capsules can be arranged in single rows for each entrance, but the conveyor becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive with high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple parallel conveying paths into a single narrower conveyor path. The screw distributor acts as a distribution hub that receives capsules from one conveyor and directs them to multiple entrances, significantly reducing the conveyor belt width, weight, and associated energy consumption while maintaining the capability to supply all filling stations
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple parallel conveying paths are implemented, then each entrance receives capsules in controlled rows, but the maintenance costs and system failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of independent conveying paths from multiple to one, which directly reduces the number of potential failure points and simplifies maintenance. The single conveyor with a screw distributor eliminates the need to maintain multiple parallel conveyor systems while preserving the controlled arrangement capability through the screw mechanism and guide surfaces
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
This solution decreases costs, simplifies maintenance, and enhances the accuracy and speed of capsule distribution, reducing the complexity of the control unit and energy usage while facilitating adaptability to changes in entrance points and object shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a screw distributor (8) arranged at a pickup section (7) of the conveying path (6) and extending along a predetermined number of entrance points (9) of the multi-entrance work group (3). The screw distributor (8) comprises a helical wall (13) which is shaped and capable of being actuated in rotation so as to engage a predetermined number of objects (2) in sequence from the pickup section (7), and place each of the engaged objects (2) in one of said entrance points (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system (1) for arranging objects (2) at a multi-entrance work group (3) comprises an orientation device (4) for orienting the objects (2), a conveyor (5) for conveying the oriented objects (2) in a single row along a conveying path (6) up to a pickup section (7) of the conveying path (6), a screw distributor (8) arranged at the pickup section (7) and extending along a predetermined number of entrance points (9) of the multi-entrance work group (3), where the screw distributor (8) may be actuated in rotation so as to engage a number of objects (2) corresponding to the predetermined number of entrance points (9) and place each of the engaged objects (2) in one of the entrance points (9), respectively.