Timing Conveyor for Object Spacing and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems face inefficiencies due to the complexity of using multiple sensors and actuatable components to maintain object spacing and positioning, which slows down the conveyor process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system comprising a feeder section, timing section, and processing section, where the timing section includes accelerating rollers and positioning components that allow objects to be accelerated to match the conveyor speed and positioned accurately, enabling efficient spacing and alignment without slowing down the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors and actuatable package-stopping components are used to maintain object spacing, then object positioning accuracy is improved, but conveyor efficiency deteriorates due to slowing or stopping packages
Solution Approach 1:
The timing conveyor performs preliminary positioning of objects before they reach the singulating section. By pre-spacing objects on the timing conveyor belt at predetermined intervals, the system ensures accurate positioning without requiring stopping or slowing at the singulation point, thus maintaining conveyor efficiency while achieving positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical sensor-actuator stopping systems with a timing conveyor belt mechanism that uses controlled acceleration and deceleration zones. Objects are accelerated onto the timing conveyor and then decelerated to match belt speed, allowing positioning through belt speed control rather than mechanical stopping components
2Manufacturing precision
If standard conveyor belts with overhead or bottom mounted spacing bars are used, then object spacing is maintained, but conveyor efficiency deteriorates due to slower belt speed
Solution Approach 1:
The timing conveyor belt uses variable speed control with accelerated and decelerated zones rather than a constant slow speed. Objects are accelerated to match the faster belt speed in the acceleration zone, maintained at that speed through the timing section for precise spacing, then decelerated in the deceleration zone. This dynamic speed adjustment allows the conveyor to operate at higher overall speeds while maintaining accurate object spacing
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 solution enhances conveyor efficiency by allowing objects to be spaced and aligned accurately without slowing down the conveyor, improving throughput and maintaining efficient object positioning.
Implementation Method 1
accelerating rollers and positioning components that allow objects to be accelerated to match the conveyor speed
Implementation Method 2
halting the object with a positioning component of the conveyor belt such that the object travels on the conveyor belt at the same speed as the conveyor belt and is held at a desired location along the conveyor belt
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A conveyor system comprising: a feeder section; a timing section; a singulating section; and a processing section; wherein the feeder section transfers objects to the timing section at irregular intervals and irregular lateral positions; wherein the timing section accelerates objects received from the feeder section and includes: a first timing conveyor and a second timing conveyor each having positioning components at designated positions on the first and second timing conveyors established so that objects leaving the first timing conveyor arrive at the singulating section between successive objects leaving the second timing conveyor; or one timing conveyor including multiple positioning components arranged to engage a portion of the width of the one timing conveyor and configured to space the objects on the left side of the one timing conveyor out of phase with the objects on the right side of the one timing conveyor so that objects leaving the right side of the one timing conveyor arrive at the singulating section between successive objects leaving the left side of the one timing conveyor; wherein the singulating section receives the objects from the timing section out of phase and arranges the objects in a single column for delivery to the processing station