Transfer Assembly Variable Head Speed Pitch Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring discrete articles, such as absorbent diaper components, are limited by the inability to vary pitch effectively, requiring frequent changes of transfer assemblies when dealing with different sizes, as they operate at a constant angular velocity, restricting the range of input or output pitches.
Innovation Solution
A transfer assembly with transfer members orbiting at a constant angular velocity, combined with apparatus heads rotating at variable angular velocities, allowing for a broader range of input or output pitches without the need for frequent assembly changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transfer members orbit at constant angular velocity, then transfer operation is stable and simple, but pitch variation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer members are configured to orbit about the rotation axis at a variable angular velocity rather than constant angular velocity. This dynamic adjustment of orbital speed enables the transfer members to accommodate different pitch requirements for various discrete article sizes while maintaining reliable transfer operations across different production conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If transfer assembly is designed for specific article size, then transfer precision is optimized, but adaptability to different sizes requires frequent change-outs
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer assembly enables adjustment of critical parameters including the orbital angular velocity of transfer members, the angular velocity of the apparatus head, and the radial distance of transfer members from the rotation axis. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system maintains optimized transfer precision across different discrete article sizes without requiring physical reconfiguration or change-outs of the transfer assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer assembly is designed with multi-functionality to handle various sizes of discrete articles using the same hardware configuration. The combination of variable angular velocities and adjustable radial distances allows a single transfer assembly to serve multiple functions across different production requirements, eliminating the need for frequent change-outs while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Productivity
If transfer members are positioned closer to heads, then transfer efficiency increases, but distance maintenance becomes more difficult with variable pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the distance between transfer members and the apparatus head during operation. Based on the detected pitch variations and positional information, the control system dynamically adjusts the orbital parameters of transfer members to maintain optimal distance, ensuring both high transfer efficiency and ease of operation across variable pitch conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles between a transfer assembly and an apparatus comprising a head. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a first rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member of the transfer assembly about the first rotation axis at a substantially constant angular velocity, maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from a surface of the head at a point of discrete article transfer, and rotating the head of the apparatus about a second rotation axis at a plurality of angular velocities. A first angular velocity of the head is substantially constant at the point of discrete article transfer.