Sequential Product Transport via Harmonic Oscillation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for step-by-step transport of small-sized confectionery items and other foods using comb movements fail at high cycle rates due to insufficient friction, causing products to slip and get damaged as they assume uncontrolled positions, especially with varying product tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing first and second transport elements that move cyclically along and counter to the transport route, with products being accelerated by one element and decelerated by the other, employing harmonic oscillations to gently apply acceleration forces, ensuring precise placement and minimizing damage through adjustable engagement sections and coordinated movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high transport frequency is used, then productivity increases, but friction between products and fixed guide elements becomes insufficient, causing products to slip and assume uncontrolled positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the guide elements movable rather than fixed. The guide elements are moved synchronously with the comb transport elements, creating a dynamic system where the guide surfaces actively follow the product motion. This synchronous movement maintains consistent friction contact even at high transport frequencies, preventing product slippage and position loss that occurs with static guide elements.
2Speed
If comb deceleration is applied at high cycle rates, then transport speed increases, but products continue to slip and assume uncontrolled positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect the actual position and motion state of products during transport. This information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the comb transport element movements and guide element positioning in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that even at high speeds with rapid deceleration, products maintain precise positioning and are placed accurately at the destination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If greater product tolerances are accommodated, then adaptability increases, but the effect of comb teeth hitting products and destroying them becomes more serious at high output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the guide elements into position before the comb transport elements arrive at the product location. The guide elements are positioned in advance to create a protective pathway, and the comb teeth are guided along predetermined trajectories that avoid direct impact with products. This preparatory positioning of guide elements prevents damaging impacts while accommodating various product formats.
4Productivity
If high positive and negative acceleration forces are applied to achieve high transport speeds, then productivity increases, but products require gentle acceleration forces to avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses guide elements as intermediaries between the comb transport elements and the products. These guide elements receive the high acceleration forces from the comb mechanisms and transfer them gently to the products through controlled contact. The guide elements act as a buffer that mediates the force transmission, allowing high productivity through rapid acceleration while protecting products from damaging force spikes.
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
Enables the safe and precise transport of products with different formats at high frequencies without damage, maintaining product integrity by controlling acceleration and deceleration forces, and allowing for compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
the friction between the products and the fixed guide elements is no longer sufficient to slow down the products
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for the stepwise transport of products (P) along a transport route (S), and in particular an intermittent method and a correspondingly operating device for the stepwise transport of small confectionery items, bouillon cubes, bouillon tablets or other foodstuffs by means of comb movement.In order to transport products (P) of different formats along the transport route (S) without damage at high transport frequencies, according to the inventive method, first and second transport elements (1, 2) are used which can be moved cyclically along and against the transport route (S) on at least one path of movement, wherein at least one product (P) is arranged between the two transport elements (1, 2) and is transported along the transport route (S) by changing the distance between the two transport elements (1, 2), wherein the at least one product (P) is accelerated by the first transport element (1) and subsequently decelerated by the second transport element (2).