Transfer Carriage for Loading and Distancing Support Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for loading and distancing support rods of products hung on free rods are complex, unreliable, and lack efficient support functions during the loading process, particularly in transferring rods between loading stations and treatment areas.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus with a supply line, loading station, and distancing means that uses hooking organs and a transfer carriage to efficiently load and transfer support rods, providing structural support and reliable operation by constraining rods in fixed positions and using chain conveyors for orderly transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing apparatuses are used for loading and distancing support rods, then the rods can be transferred, but the apparatus becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated apparatus that can load products onto support rods, transfer the rods, and distance them in sequence. The loading device, transfer mechanism, and distancing means are merged into one cohesive system, eliminating the need for separate complex apparatuses for each function, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functional components that can perform multiple operations. For example, the same mechanical system that loads products onto rods also facilitates their transfer and distancing. This universal design reduces the number of specialized components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable operation across different functions.
2Productivity
If existing apparatuses are used for loading and distancing support rods, then the rods can be transferred, but the operation becomes slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to operate continuously without interruption. The loading device transfers products onto rods in sequence, and the transfer mechanism immediately moves the loaded rods to the distancing means, which then positions them for the next treatment. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between steps, increasing productivity while maintaining a manageable device structure through streamlined sequential processing.
3Ease of operation
If support functions are added during loading, then the loading process is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides preliminary support functions during the loading process. The support means are positioned to assist with rod stabilization and alignment before the actual loading occurs, making the loading operation easier and more reliable. This preliminary action is integrated into the basic structure of the apparatus, providing operational assistance without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The apparatus operates at a loading station having loading means (25) for inserting, in succession, the products in a hung condition to a support rod (R1) supported in the loading station. The apparatus comprises: constraining means (20) for constraining a support rod at a time in a fixed position, with a horizontal axis (AC) of loading the products on the rod, in the loading station; a transfer carriage (31) mobile between a first and a second operating position, respectively distal and proximal with respect to the distancing means, which bears: first handling arms (41), parallel to one another, which exhibit first profiled seatings (43) aligned to one another defining a first support position for a support rod, having an axis parallel to the loading axis (AC); second handling arms (42) parallel to one another, which exhibit second profiled seatings (44) aligned to one another, which define a second support position for a support rod, having a parallel axis to the loading axis (AC), the first and second support seatings being in a distal position and respectively in a proximal position with respect to the distancing means (60); the handling arms (41, 42) being constrained to the transfer carriage (31) with rotatability about at least a first axis (A1), parallel to the loading axis (AC); means (51, 52) for rotating the handling arms (41, 42); a collecting device (70), able to collect a support rod at a time from a rod tank (71), by means of a pair of support elements (76); a command system which: moves the collecting device (70) in combination with the movement of the handling arms (41, 42) such that a support rod, collected from the tank (71), is transferred into the first support seatings (43) of the first arms (41); rotates the handling arms (41, 42) such that a support rod (R1) constrained in the loading station (SC) is arranged in the second seatings (44) for supporting the arms; displaces the transfer carriage (31) from the distal operating position to the proximal position, after this displacement transferring a support rod located in the second support seatings on the distancing means (60); displaces the transfer carriage (31) such as to transfer a support rod located in the first support seatings (43) into the loading position of the loading station.