Transfer Elements With Compound Speed For Absorbent Product Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer apparatuses in absorbent sanitary product manufacturing machines face limitations in increasing production speed due to constraints in the maximum operating speed, which restricts the ability to reach higher production rates such as 2000 pieces per minute.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a transfer system with a guide element and transfer elements that move along a closed path, utilizing a linear motor with controlled base and relative speeds to increase the compound speed of transfer elements, along with independent movement and suction gripping for stable article handling, allowing for variable pitch and orientation changes during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional transfer apparatuses with vacuum gripping systems are used, then articles can be firmly held during transfer, but the maximum operating speed is constrained and production rate cannot reach 2000 pieces per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The transport elements are made independently rotatable around the axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of their position and orientation during the transfer process. This enables the system to adapt to varying production speeds and article types, resolving the contradiction between maintaining firm grip and achieving high operating speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional vacuum gripping system with a mechanical interlocking mechanism where transport elements engage with articles through geometric coupling. This substitution eliminates the speed limitations of vacuum systems while maintaining secure article holding, enabling production rates up to 2000 pieces per minute.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transport elements are mounted to be rotatable around an axis for turn and repitch operations, then article orientation can be changed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as gripping mechanisms and as rotating units for orientation control. Each element can independently perform transport, gripping, and rotation functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transport function and rotation function into a single integrated transport element design. The elements combine linear movement along the closed path with rotational capability around the axis, consolidating multiple functions into one component and simplifying the overall apparatus structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the operating speed of the transfer process, enabling higher production rates by optimizing the movement and handling of articles through controlled speed and orientation adjustments, thereby addressing the speed constraints of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus employs a transfer system with a guide element and transfer elements that move along a closed path, utilizing a linear motor with controlled base and relative speeds to increase the compound speed of transfer elements
Implementation Method 2
A repitch apparatus must be able to firmly and stably hold the articles on the transport elements during the transfer from the pick-up area to the delivery area. This is normally achieved via a vacuum gripping system, which connects the gripping surfaces of the transport elements to a source of subatmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for transferring articles from a pick-up area to a delivery area, wherein there is provided a guide element having a guide surface which moves along a closed path at a base speed, and wherein there are provided a plurality of transfer elements, each of which is provided with a gripping surface for holding an article and is movable with respect to the guide surface with a relative speed, so that, with respect to a stationary reference system, each of the transfer elements moves along the closed path with a compound speed given by an algebraic sum of the base speed and the respective relative speed.