Slip Conveyor Segments for Variable Bag Size Packaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor systems in the packaging industry, particularly for snack foods, are inefficient as they require shutdown and machine alteration to produce bags of different sizes, leading to production interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor assembly with a first slip conveyor and a second slip conveyor featuring adjustable slots and trays that allow for the delivery of products of varying sizes without the need for machine shutdowns, enabling continuous production of bags of different sizes by adjusting the gap size between conveyor segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If packaging machines are set up to form bags of a specific size, then packaging precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates requiring machine shutdown for size changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag size consistencyVSAvoidbag size flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor is divided into multiple independently controllable segments with adjustable spacing. Each segment can be positioned separately to create variable gap sizes, allowing the conveyor to adapt to different bag sizes without requiring machine shutdown or structural alteration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor segments are made dynamically adjustable during operation. The spacing between segments can be changed on-the-fly to match different bag sizes, transforming a static conveyor system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying packaging requirements without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conveyor segments are made adjustable to deliver products of varying sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct size flexibilityVSAvoidconveyor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor is divided into multiple independently controllable segments with adjustable spacing. Each segment can be positioned separately to create variable gap sizes, allowing the conveyor to adapt to different bag sizes without requiring machine shutdown or structural alteration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical spacing parameter between conveyor segments is made variable. By adjusting the distance between segments, the system can accommodate different product sizes and bag configurations, achieving adaptability through parameter modification rather than structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If packaging machines are shut down for alteration to produce different bag sizes, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to production interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag size variabilityVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor segments are made dynamically adjustable during operation. The spacing between segments can be changed on-the-fly to match different bag sizes, transforming a static conveyor system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying packaging requirements without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system maintains continuous operation while adapting to different bag sizes. The adjustable segments allow the conveyor to keep moving and delivering products without shutdown, ensuring uninterrupted production flow while accommodating size variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 continuous production of bags of different sizes without interrupting the packaging process, as products of desired sizes can be directed to specific weighing and packaging machines, improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the conveyor including longitudinally extending trays that are longitudinally vibrated (reciprocated) to transfer material along the conveyor. The longitudinal oscillation is rapid in one direction and slow in the other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10023391B2Conveyor assembly

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 TNA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

A slip conveyor (50) delivers product to a further conveyor (50) that in turn delivers product to weighing machines (53) that would be typically associated with a packaging machine. The slip conveyor (50) includes a delivery portion (57) provided with a plurality of separated fingers (59). Slots (58) between the fingers (59) extend longitudinally in the direction (52). Smaller product, such as smaller potato crisps, are located adjacent longitudinally extending edges (63) of the conveyor (10), the smaller product passes through the gaps (26a) that provides for delivery of product to the associated conveyor (62).