Synchronized Product Transfer Device for Packaging Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for feeding food products to packaging machines face challenges in efficiently transferring products at a right angle due to operational speed and fragility issues, often hindered by paddle return movements that interfere with conveyor operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-transfer device with independently motorized paddle elements and a shuttle mechanism that allows for synchronized, shock-minimizing transfer of products between input and output conveyors, using belt moving devices and linear actuators to facilitate smooth, efficient movement and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If systems with paddles or movable barriers are used for product transfer, then product transfer capability is achieved, but the return movement of paddles hinders or slows down plant operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful return movement of paddles from the system by using a belt moving device that continuously circulates paddles in one direction. The belt loop allows paddles to be removed from the product transfer zone after delivery without requiring them to reverse direction, thus eliminating the interference with conveyor movement while maintaining product transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic paddle positioning where paddles are continuously moved along a closed looped path by a belt mechanism. This dynamic system allows paddles to alternately constitute the rear thruster of one product group and the front counter-thruster of the next product group, optimizing transfer efficiency without return movement interference.
2Productivity
If high operating speeds are used for product transfer, then productivity is improved, but shock and product deterioration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using multiple paddles that work in sequence to gradually accelerate and decelerate product groups during transfer. The belt moving device controls paddle movement to minimize sudden speed changes, and the arrangement of paddles ensures smooth transitions that reduce shock to fragile food products while maintaining high transfer speeds.
3Ease of operation
If paddles are used for product transfer, then product grouping and transfer capability is achieved, but interference with conveyor movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a belt moving device as an intermediary mechanism between the product grouping function and the conveyor system. This intermediary continuously circulates paddles along a closed loop, allowing them to perform their grouping and transfer functions without requiring reverse movement that would interfere with conveyor operation, thus resolving the conflict between transfer control and conveyor efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5b
Figure 6a~8b
AI summary
A plant for feeding groups of food products in sequence to a packaging machine comprises a first input conveyor (11, 211) and a second output conveyor (13, 213) between which a device (16, 216) for the synchronized transfer of groups of products is provided. The device (16, 216) comprises two belt moving devices (17, 217) parallel and independently motorized for moving synchronously along a looped path. Each moving device carries paddle elements (18, 218) at intervals, which alternately form a rear thruster or a front counter- thruster of transfer of the groups of products along a transfer path towards the output conveyor (13, 213).