Transfer Beam Alignment for Abrasive Disc Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automating the packaging process for discrete abrasive articles, such as discs or sheets, is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and efficient transfer between manufacturing and packaging locations, which is time-consuming and costly when done manually and prone to misalignment when automated.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus comprising a transfer beam with article receiving means, movable between bridging conveyors, allows for the accurate and efficient transfer and stacking of discrete articles from a conveyor belt to a packaging station, utilizing a linear arrangement of cylindrical posts or other locators for precise alignment and collated stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and stacking of discrete abrasive articles is used, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity is reduced and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer beam as an intermediary device between the conveyor belt and packaging station. This transfer beam carries article receiving means (cylindrical posts) that automatically align and transfer multiple discrete abrasive articles in a single operation, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining precision and significantly increasing packaging speed.
2Productivity
If automated pick and place systems with vacuum suction cups or robotic grippers are used, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates and article damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the picking mechanism itself. Instead of relying on vacuum suction cups or robotic grippers to both pick and align articles, the system uses dedicated cylindrical posts on the transfer beam that are specifically designed for precise alignment. The articles are transferred to these posts which automatically position them correctly, separating the picking action from the alignment function.
3Manufacturing precision
If hand stacking of articles is used, then alignment precision is improved, but loss of time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stacking operations into a single automated transfer action. The transfer beam carries multiple article receiving means (cylindrical posts) that can simultaneously receive and align multiple abrasive articles. By moving the entire transfer beam with all articles positioned, the system performs what would otherwise require multiple sequential manual stacking operations in a single automated motion, dramatically reducing time while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer apparatus (1) for transferring a plurality of discrete articles (3) between a first location and a second location is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a transfer beam (9) comprising at least one article receiving means (10), adapted to be positioned adjacent the first location (7a) to receive at least one article. The transfer beam is also adapted to be adjacent the second location (7b) to discharge the at least one article. First and second bridging conveyors (12a; 12b) are located adjacent the second location and spaced apart such that the transfer beam is movable between the first and second bridging conveyors. A method of transferring articles using such an apparatus is also disclosed. Preferably the articles are abrasive discs.