Single Screw Feeder Layout for Spacing Polygonal Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container feeding systems for machines, such as labeling machines, are costly, inefficient, and require unnecessary adjustments for different container formats due to the use of two screw feeders, which are not always necessary and can lead to operational inefficiencies, especially with containers having sharp corner edges or polygonal cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a single screw feeder and adjustable abutment wall, featuring distinct regions for access, accommodation, and acceleration, allows for efficient spacing and handling of containers with flat faces and polygonal cross-sections without the need for opposite screw feeders, using a movable upper surface and adjustable separation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two screw feeders are used to separate and space containers, then container spacing is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary second screw feeder from the system. By analyzing the actual function needed (container separation and spacing), the patent determines that a single screw feeder combined with an adjustable abutment wall is sufficient, removing the redundant component and its associated complexity while maintaining the spacing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single screw feeder is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only conveys containers but also works in conjunction with the adjustable abutment wall to provide separation and spacing functions that traditionally required a second feeder. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If two screw feeders are used for all container formats, then container handling is improved, but adaptability and cost efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment wall is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different container formats dynamically. This adjustability enables the single screw feeder system to handle various container sizes and shapes effectively, providing the versatility that previously required multiple fixed feeders.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the abutment wall position and configuration to accommodate different container formats. By changing the geometric parameters of the abutment wall rather than the entire feeder system, the patent achieves format flexibility without requiring multiple screw feeders.
3Manufacturing precision
If double screw feeder solution is used, then container separation is improved, but operational efficiency and simplicity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the second screw feeder that was causing operational inefficiencies. By extracting this redundant component, the system achieves the same separation function with fewer parts, reducing adjustment complexity and improving operational efficiency while maintaining separation precision through the adjustable abutment wall.
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 system effectively separates and spaces containers with flat faces and polygonal cross-sections, reducing costs, simplifying structure, ensuring reliable operation, and accommodating various formats, while maintaining low production speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a screw feeder (5), which can be actuated to rotate about its own axis
Implementation Method 2
a conveyor (2) that makes it possible to move, along an advancement direction (100), containers (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), arranged in succession
Data Source
AI summary
A device for conveying and feeding containers, for machines for processing containers, which device includes a conveyor for movement of containers along an advancement direction, and separation system, which is adapted to mutually space apart the containers along the advancement direction. The separation system includes a screw feeder and at least one abutment wall, which is arranged so as to face to the lateral surface of the screw feeder. The screw feeder has, along its longitudinal extension, proceeding from one of its ends to the other end in the same direction as the advancement direction of the containers, three regions that can be engaged in sequence by the containers, respectively at least one access region for the containers, at least one accommodation region, which is adapted to receive one container at a time from the access region, and an acceleration region for accelerating the containers.