Single Motor Gate Control for Article Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for articles like empty packaging require complex mechanical solutions and multiple actuating motors to ensure adequate separation and reliable operation, which complicates the feeding process into continuous transport containers.
Innovation Solution
A device with two gates controlled by a single common drive motor, where each gate is associated with a rotatable control element and an actuating element that engages with curved recesses and guide grooves, simplifying the operational control and reducing the need for multiple motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuating motors are used to control each gate separately, then the reliability and operational control of the gates is improved, but the device complexity and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gate control functions into a single actuating motor that operates both gates through a shared mechanism. The actuating element with curved portions engages with control elements for both gates, allowing one motor to coordinate the opening and closing of multiple gates in sequence, thereby reducing the number of motors while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating motor performs multiple functions by controlling both gates through a universal actuating mechanism. The actuating element is designed with curved portions that can engage with different control elements, enabling one motor to execute multiple gating operations that would traditionally require separate motors for each gate
2Device complexity
If a single common drive motor is used to control both gates, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and coordination between gates may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is segmented into multiple curved portions, each designed to engage with specific control elements for different gates. This segmentation allows the single actuating motor to precisely control each gate independently through dedicated engagement points, maintaining coordination precision while simplifying the overall drive system
Solution Approach 2:
Control elements act as intermediaries between the single actuating motor and the gates. These control elements receive motion from the actuating element and translate it into precise gate movements, ensuring accurate coordination between multiple gates while allowing the use of a simplified single-motor drive system
3Reliability
If complex mechanical solutions are used to ensure adequate separation of articles, then the article separation reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and operational simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic opening and closing of gates in a coordinated sequence to achieve adequate article separation. The single actuating motor generates periodic motion that opens the first gate to allow article passage, then closes it and opens the second gate in sequence, creating reliable separation through rhythmic cyclic operation rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mechanism uses the flow of articles themselves to trigger and regulate the gating action. As articles move through the system, their presence and movement automatically regulate when gates need to open or close, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining reliable separation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for moving articles between positions at time intervals. The device includes at least two gates disposed sequentially in the direction of travel of the article which can controllably be opened and closed. Upstream of each gate there is formed a temporary holding area for the article. The two gates (1; 2; 3; 4) are controllable by means of one single drive motor (8) or actuator. The two gates (1; 2; 3; 4) are each associated with one control element (5; 6) rotatable about a respective axis of rotation, and the drive motor or actuator (8) is adapted to move one actuating element (7) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is common to the respective control elements (5; 6) of the two gates.