Transfer Device Curved Path Fallen Package Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices for sealed packages of pourable food products are prone to package instability and falling, which can cause operational interruptions in packaging machines due to imperfect seals and the staggered layout of folding units.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a looped chain conveyor and counter-rotating disks, featuring a U-shaped frame and an arch-shaped conveyor path, includes a tubular opening to allow fallen packages to discharge, reducing interference and enhancing design flexibility by eliminating the need for inner radial guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a looped chain conveyor with counter-rotating disks is used to transfer packages, then continuous transfer operation is achieved, but packages may fall over the top disk causing operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (fallen packages) from the conveyor system by providing a discharge opening that allows them to be removed from the transfer device, preventing them from stopping the conveyor operation
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening acts as an intermediary element between the conveyor system and the fallen packages, providing a controlled path for packages to exit the system without interfering with the conveyor's continuous operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If inner radial guides are used to contain packages on the curved portion, then package stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inner radial guide element entirely and replaces it with a discharge opening, simplifying the device structure while maintaining package stability through the guide wings and curved portion design
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening serves multiple functions: it allows fallen packages to exit the system, maintains package stability on the curved portion, and eliminates the need for additional inner radial guides, thereby reducing device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is disclosed a transfer device (1) for transferring sealed packages (2) of a pourable food product, comprising transporting means (5) for conveying packages (2) along an at least partly curved path (P); transfer device (1) also comprises a through opening (20) which is arranged on one side of path (P) and is adapted to allow the discharge of packages (2) that have fallen along path (P).