Star Distributor Group Formation for Clocked Processing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment systems struggle to efficiently remove and feed groups of containers from a continuous stream to a cycled treatment machine without interrupting the infeed device, especially when using rotary or star-wheel based feeding systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an infeed device with a main feeder unit and star distributors, where the first star distributor has a receiving section with a predetermined number of carrying and holding elements and an adjoining empty section, allowing for the removal of container groups from the continuous stream and transfer to a linear feed unit, which then feeds them to a treatment machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous container stream is fed to a clocked treatment machine, then the treatment machine can process containers in groups, but the infeed device must be interrupted or operated in a timed manner to pick up containers in groups, which complicates the system design
Solution Approach 1:
The infeed device is segmented into a continuous stream feeder and a separate group formation mechanism. The star distributor divides the continuous container stream into discrete groups by transferring containers at specific intervals, allowing the treatment machine to receive grouped containers while the infeed device maintains continuous operation without complex interruption mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A star distributor acts as an intermediary between the continuous stream infeed device and the clocked treatment machine. It receives containers continuously, forms them into groups, and transfers them to the treatment machine, thereby decoupling the continuous feeding from the cyclic processing and eliminating the need for complex timed interruption control
2Ease of operation
If active retention and transfer means are provided at transfer points to transfer containers to trailing transport stars, then container transfer is enabled, but the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The star distributor utilizes the rotational motion and geometry of its arms to automatically retain and release containers at the appropriate transfer points. The containers are retained by the star distributor arms during rotation and are automatically released when the arms reach the transfer position, eliminating the need for separate active retention and transfer means
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of transport, retention, and transfer are merged into a single star distributor mechanism. The star distributor simultaneously performs container retention during rotation and automatic transfer at the discharge position, consolidating multiple functions into one component and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If the infeed device operates continuously without interruption, then productivity is maintained, but it becomes difficult to pick up containers in groups for the clocked treatment machine
Solution Approach 1:
The star distributor implements periodic transfer action by rotating its arms at regular intervals. During each rotation cycle, it transfers a specific number of containers from the continuous stream to form a group, then pauses transfer while continuing rotation. This periodic transfer mechanism maintains continuous infeed operation while systematically forming discrete container groups for the clocked treatment machine
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for removing containers (B) in groups from a continuous container flow and for feeding said containers to a clocked processing machine (10). The device comprises an entry device (2), a linear feeding unit (4) having a first linear section (4.1), and a transfer device (3), the entry device (2) having a main supplying unit (20) and a first and a second star distributor (30, 40). The main supplying unit (20) has a plurality (n) of supporting and retaining elements (21) for the hanging transport of the containers in the form of a continuous container flow and is designed and arranged in such a way that a first transfer region (5) is formed for the individual transfer of containers (B) from the container flow to the first start distributor (30) and a second transfer region (6) is formed for the transfer of containers (B) to the second star distributor (40). At least the first star distributor (30) is designed to transfer the containers (B), which are removed from the container flow from the main supplying unit (20) in the first transfer region (5), to the first linear section (4.1) of the linear feeding unit (4). Particularly advantageously, the first star distributor (30) has, along the periphery thereof, at least one receiving section (7) having a number (m) of supporting and retaining elements (31) for receiving the containers from the continuous container flow in groups, and along the periphery the at least one receiving section (7) of the first star distributor (30) is adjoined by an unoccupied empty section (8) for interrupting the receiving of containers, the number (m) of supporting and retaining elements (31) of the at least one receiving section (7) corresponding to the specified number of containers of a container group.