Steep Conveyor Channel for Container Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems for container closures face challenges in minimizing space requirements and energy consumption while avoiding air turbulence and damage to non-metallic closures during vertical transport, especially when using compressed air for steep angles.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor section design featuring a steep channel with a drive mechanism that pushes closures through from below, transitioning to a flat section with controlled compressed air use, and a recirculation system to minimize air turbulence and energy usage, using pull-in belts and HEPA filters for cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If compressed air is used to transport container closures through a steep conveyor section, then the space requirement of the device can be minimized, but the compressed air consumption increases sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple sections with different angles: a first conveyor section with a first angle, a second conveyor section with a second angle greater than the first, and a third conveyor section with a third angle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve steep overall transport while using gentler sections that require less compressed air, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing space and reducing compressed air consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition sections between different conveyor sections are designed with curved surfaces instead of sharp angles. The first transition section connects the first and second conveyor sections, and the second transition section connects the second and third conveyor sections. These curved transitions enable smooth airflow and reduce turbulence, allowing the system to maintain steep conveyor angles while minimizing compressed air requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If high compressed air pressures or quantities are used to transport container closures vertically, then the space requirement can be minimized, but strong air turbulence occurs which is problematic for sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor path is segmented into multiple sections with progressively increasing angles, avoiding the need for a single steep section that would require high compressed air pressure. This segmentation maintains gentle transport conditions throughout, preventing air turbulence while achieving vertical transport in a compact space.
Solution Approach 2:
Curved transition sections are used to connect conveyor sections with different angles. These curved surfaces guide the airflow smoothly, preventing turbulence that would occur with sharp transitions. This allows the system to maintain low compressed air pressure while achieving compact vertical transport.
3Area of stationary object
If high compressed air quantities are applied to container closures in a steep conveyor section, then the space requirement can be minimized, but high friction or abrasion occurs when deflected, leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple sections with different angles, allowing container closures to be transported vertically through a compact space without subjecting them to high compressed air quantities. The segmented approach maintains gentler transport conditions, preventing the high friction and abrasion that would occur in a single steep section.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved transition sections provide smooth deflection paths for container closures as they move between conveyor sections with different angles. This curved geometry eliminates sharp deflections that would cause high friction and abrasion, protecting the container closures from damage while maintaining compact dimensions.
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
This design achieves efficient, gentle, and energy-efficient transport of container closures with reduced air turbulence and damage, allowing for the use of non-metallic materials without high compressed air consumption, maintaining sterility, and adapting to various container sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the container closures, which have already been separated and aligned in position, had to be conveyed to the closing machine over a more or less long distance
Implementation Method 2
compressed air is basically ideal for transporting container closures with a vertical directional component
Implementation Method 3
the steep conveyor section is designed as a conveyor channel
Implementation Method 4
using pull-in belts and HEPA filters for cleanliness
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a conveying section in a device for separating and aligning the position of container closures and for transporting the container closures to a machine for further processing, preferably a sealing machine, comprising a conveying surface (7), a steep conveying section (4), a transition section (5) having a start region (42), middle region (43), and end region (44), and a flat conveying section (6). According to the invention, in order to achieve the most compact construction possible, the steep conveying section (4) is designed as a conveying channel (8) and includes an angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 80°, especially preferably substantially 90°, with the horizontal plane, wherein the container closures can be pushed or pressed through the conveying channel (8) into the transition section (5), preferably into the middle region (43) of the transition section (5), by means of a drive (9) that is arranged before the conveying channel (8) as viewed in a conveying direction (10).