Sequential Diverting Containers to Prevent Conveyor Line Stoppages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for diverting defective objects during production and processing are inefficient, leading to increased production standstills and resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving multiple diverting devices with sensors to monitor fill levels of discharge containers, allowing controlled diversion of objects to empty containers, and enabling continuous operation by replacing full containers without stopping the transport system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single diverting device with a discharge container is used to collect defective objects, then the structure is simple, but the production line must stop when the container is full, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediverting device structureVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single discharge container into multiple sequential discharge containers (first discharge container, second discharge container, etc.), each capable of holding defective objects. When one container is full, objects are diverted to the next container in the sequence, allowing continuous operation without stopping the production line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares multiple discharge containers in advance along the transport path, so that when the first container becomes full, the second container is already positioned and ready to receive objects. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need to stop production for container replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple discharge containers are arranged sequentially along the transport path, then production can continue without stoppages, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddiverting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diverting device is segmented into multiple independent discharge points, each with its own container. This segmentation allows the system to handle defective objects continuously by distributing them across multiple containers rather than relying on a single container that would require frequent emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device acts as an intermediary that moves defective objects from the diverting device through the sequence of discharge containers. This intermediary mechanism enables smooth transitions between containers without requiring production stoppages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If defective objects are collected in discharge containers that must be frequently emptied, then the collection method is simple, but machine stoppages increase, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer emptying operationVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple discharge containers are prepared and positioned in advance along the transport path. This preliminary setup ensures that when one container reaches capacity, the next container is already ready to receive objects, eliminating the need to stop production for container emptying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by ensuring that at least one discharge container is always available to receive defective objects. The sequential arrangement with multiple containers ensures that the useful action of collecting defective objects never interrupts the production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4703303A1Method and system for guiding out at least one object to be conveyed
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 KHS GMBH
  • EP4703303A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703303A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4703303A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for diverting at least one object to be diverted, in particular a container, from at least one transport device (11-26), wherein a first diverting device (28) with at least one first diverting container (30) and a second diverting device (32) with at least one second diverting container (34) are arranged on the transport device (11-26), wherein the first diverting device (28) is arranged in a transport direction upstream of the second diverting device (32), comprising at least the following steps: transporting (102) at least one object to be diverted by means of the transport device (11-26) to the first diverting device (28);Discharge (104) of the at least one object to be discharged by means of the first discharge device (28) into the at least one first discharge container (30), if the at least one first discharge container (30) is not completely full, otherwise transport (106) of the at least one object to be discharged by means of the transport device (11-26) to the second discharge device (32). The method (100) can increase efficiency and reduce the probability of a production stoppage.