Tilting Rocker Arm for Space-Efficient Container Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing and sorting reusable containers, such as empties return machines, face challenges including space inefficiency, labor intensity, fragility issues with glass materials, and lack of suitable return machines for certain types of containers like CO2 cylinders or cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A storage compartment with a pick-up guide and a tiltable rocker arm that transfers rollable containers to a lower receiving guide, allowing for space-efficient storage and automatic sorting without electronic actuators, enabling the storage of various container types by controlling the rocker arm's tilt using gravity and a restoring element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If collection tables are used to store reusable containers, then containers can be collected, but space is consumed and manual clearing is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity-fed container feeds and automatic rocker arm mechanisms that operate without manual intervention. Containers are automatically transferred from storage compartments to collection areas through the gravitational force and mechanical rocking motion, eliminating the need for manual clearing while optimizing space utilization through vertical stacking of storage compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal storage arrangements to vertical three-dimensional storage compartments. Multiple storage compartments are stacked vertically, with container feeds and rocker arms operating at different levels. This vertical dimensionality increases storage capacity within a compact footprint while maintaining automatic container transfer operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If scissor lifting mechanisms are used to raise container floors, then fall heights are overcome, but containers can fall on top of each other in an uncontrolled manner
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm serves as an intermediary mechanical element between storage compartments and collection areas. Instead of directly lifting containers vertically with complex scissor mechanisms, the rocker arm provides a controlled inclined transfer path. Containers roll along the rocker arm's surface from a higher storage compartment to a lower collection area, eliminating uncontrolled free-fall while avoiding the complexity of vertical lifting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity-fed container feeds where containers naturally roll from higher to lower storage compartments without requiring active lifting mechanisms. The rocker arms are positioned to create smooth gravitational transition paths, allowing containers to move between levels using gravitational potential energy rather than mechanical lifting, thus preventing damage while simplifying the system.
3Extent of automation
If automatic sorting systems are used to sort empties into crates, then sorting is automated, but complex system technology and space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automatic sorting through self-service mechanisms where containers are fed individually into storage compartments and automatically transferred via gravity and rocker arm motion. The sorting function is embedded in the basic mechanical operation of the rocker arms and container feeds, eliminating the need for separate complex electronic sorting systems while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines storage and sorting functions into a single integrated mechanical system. The rocker arms serve dual purposes: transferring containers between compartments and simultaneously sorting them into appropriate collection areas based on their natural rolling paths. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate sorting technology while achieving automated organization.
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 solution provides a space-efficient, labor-saving, and mechanically reliable method for storing and sorting a variety of rollable containers, ensuring they are stored safely and sorted automatically, reducing the risk of damage and optimizing storage capacity without the need for complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a rocker arm (4) attached to one end of the receiving guide (3), which is designed to be tiltable in a starting position for receiving a container (2) fed from above the receiving guide (3) and when the container (2) is picked up from the starting position into a tilted position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage compartment for storing a plurality of individually fed, wheeled containers, in particular for a reverse vending machine, comprising: a receiving guide for the guided rolling receipt of containers; and a tilting lever attached to one end of the receiving guide, which is configured to tilt from a starting position to a tilted position when the container is received from above the receiving guide and, upon receipt of the container, to tilt from the starting position to a tilted position. The present invention further relates to a storage device and a method for storing a plurality of individually fed, wheeled containers with such a storage compartment. The invention further relates to a correspondingly designed receiving machine, in particular a reverse vending machine, for individual containers.