Transfer Device for Sausage Packaging Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices are not capable of efficiently and flexibly transferring packaging units, such as sausages, from a first rod-shaped element (sword) to a second rod-shaped element (smoke stick) with precise positioning and adaptability to different smoke stick sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device equipped with a controllable triggering means and detecting means, utilizing hooks on a circulating conveyor, allows for the controlled release and positioning of packaging units on the second element, enabling stepless positioning and adaptability to various smoke stick configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transfer device is used for packaging units on rod-shaped elements, then the transfer mechanism is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different smoke stick sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device incorporates a movable triggering block that can be positioned at different locations along the conveying path. This dynamic positioning capability allows the device to adapt to various smoke stick sizes and shapes without requiring multiple fixed transfer mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device is designed with a universal triggering mechanism that can handle different packaging unit configurations and smoke stick variations. The single device structure with adjustable triggering positions serves multiple functions across different product specifications, eliminating the need for dedicated transfer devices for each smoke stick type.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of packaging units is used, then positioning precision is low, but automation is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a controller that monitors and regulates the positioning of packaging units on the second rod-shaped element. The controller receives information about the desired positioning and adjusts the triggering mechanism accordingly, providing feedback control to achieve precise positioning while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated triggering mechanism controlled by a control unit. The triggering block is actuated automatically at predetermined positions, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that achieves higher positioning precision.
3Ease of operation
If packaging units are released at fixed positions only, then the release mechanism is simple, but flexible positioning along the second element is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering block is designed to be movable along the conveying direction, allowing it to be positioned dynamically at different locations. This dynamic positioning enables flexible placement of packaging units along the second rod-shaped element without requiring multiple fixed release points or complex switching mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transfer system, especially for handling sausages, has the sausages supported on a transport bar (3) via loops. A pick off and handling system has a series of grips (10 to23) on a recirculating chain drive, to pick off the sausages from the transport bar and transfer them to a process bar (4) where they are positioned at a selected spacing. The filled process bars are moved to a processing stage, e.g. smoking, enabling the next process bar to be filled. The system enables the operator to select the spacing to bet suit items being processed. The system can be applied to a range of items.