Telescopic Infeed Deflector for Simultaneous Product Reorientation and Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orienting and stacking equipment for fibrous structures is inefficient and requires multiple process steps and equipment, leading to reduced reliability and increased space and capital costs, as well as separate processes for reorientation and stacking.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic infeed apparatus with a shiftable landing surface and securing mechanism that allows for simultaneous reorientation and stacking of products by advancing them in a machine direction, using a deflector and lift to change product orientation and form stacks efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate equipment is used for reorientation and stacking processes, then each process can be performed independently, but the amount of equipment and floor space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reorientation and stacking functions into a single integrated apparatus. The infeed conveys products and the deflector redirects them to the landing surface, which performs both reorientation and stacking operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing floor space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing surface serves multiple functions: it receives products from the infeed, performs reorientation by catching and redirecting products, and simultaneously builds stacks. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment for each operation.
2Reliability
If additional process steps are added to ensure product stability during reorientation, then reliability improves, but process time and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is positioned to intercept products during their flight path after leaving the infeed but before they would naturally settle. By applying the deflecting action at this preliminary stage, the product is guided into the correct orientation early in the process, ensuring stability without requiring additional corrective steps later.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary element between the infeed and landing surface. It provides a controlled interaction point where products are redirected with precise orientation control, ensuring they land in the desired position and orientation on the landing surface, thereby guaranteeing stability while maintaining process speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment components are used for reorientation and stacking, then process capability is enhanced, but device complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus performs both reorientation and stacking operations using a unified set of components. The infeed, deflector, and landing surface work together to achieve multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reorientation mechanism and stacking mechanism into a single cohesive system. The deflector and landing surface are integrated components that simultaneously handle both functions, eliminating the need for separate reorientation equipment and stacking equipment, thus reducing device complexity and capital costs.
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
The apparatus streamlines the reorientation and stacking process, reducing the need for additional equipment and steps, enhancing efficiency and reliability while minimizing space and capital costs, and allowing both operations to be performed concurrently.
Implementation Method 1
The telescopic infeed is capable of advancing one or more products in the machine direction
Implementation Method 2
the deflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of the one of more products
Implementation Method 3
The transfer end is disposed at a first elevation and is moveable in a machine direction and in a reverse machine direction. The landing surface is disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer end and at a second elevation, wherein the first elevation is higher than the second elevation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for reorienting and/or stacking products includes a frame and a telescopic infeed associated with the frame. The telescopic infeed has a receiving end and a transfer end. The transfer end is disposed at a first elevation and moveable in a machine direction and in a reverse machine direction. The telescopic infeed advances one or more products in the machine direction; and a landing surface receives the one or more products. The landing surface is disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer end and at a second elevation. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation. A deflector is operatively engageable with the transfer end, such that the deflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of the one of more products.