Steerable Conveyors for Flat Object Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ejection devices for flat objects, particularly large or thick ones like corrugated cardboard sheets, are inefficient due to the need for significant angular pivoting, which slows down the process and can damage the objects during ejection.

Innovation Solution

The use of two successive steerable conveyors with opposite mobility zones allows for reduced angular amplitude and faster ejection, minimizing object damage and maintaining machine performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single steerable conveyor is used to eject flat objects, then the ejection function is achieved, but the angular pivoting amplitude is large which slows down the process and can damage the objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection speedVSAvoidobject damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single steerable conveyor is divided into two successive steerable conveyors (first steerable conveyor and second steerable conveyor). Each conveyor performs a portion of the ejection function with reduced angular amplitude, thereby increasing ejection speed and reducing object damage while maintaining the overall ejection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two steerable conveyors are arranged in succession along the transport path, creating a multi-stage ejection system. This spatial arrangement allows each conveyor to operate with smaller angular movements while collectively achieving the full ejection function, improving both speed and object integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a single steerable conveyor pivots through large angles for complete disengagement, then the ejection position is achieved, but the time required for position transition increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection position achievementVSAvoidposition transition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The position transition is segmented into two smaller transitions, one for each steerable conveyor. Each conveyor pivots through a reduced angle to achieve its portion of the ejection position, significantly reducing the total transition time while still achieving the complete ejection function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first steerable conveyor performs its pivoting action in advance to partially establish the ejection path, allowing the second steerable conveyor to complete the positioning with minimal additional movement. This preliminary action reduces the overall time required to achieve the final ejection position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2976279B1Device for ejecting a flat object during conveying

Publication Date: 2018.07.25 BOBST MEX SA

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AI summary

A device for ejecting 1 a flat object 101 during the conveyance thereof along a conveying path 102 includes an inlet conveyor 10 and an outlet conveyor 20 which are successively arranged one after the other along the conveying path 102. At least the downstream part 11 of the inlet conveyor 10 is orientably mounted for pivoting between a conveying position and an ejecting position and at least the upstream part 21 of the outlet conveyor 20 is orientably mounted for pivoting between a conveying position and an ejecting position.