Transfer Star and Lifter Layout for Collision-Free Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container processing machines face inefficiencies in delivering and removing containers between conveyor systems and processing stations, particularly due to complexities in multi-level operations and collision risks during container transfer.
Innovation Solution
A container-processing machine design featuring a conveyor rotating about a vertical axis with processing stations and a transfer star that delivers unprocessed containers and removes processed ones, utilizing recesses around its periphery for engagement, and independent or phased rotation of the conveyor and star to facilitate collision-free transfer, with lifters enabling vertical movement between levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-level conveyor system is used for container delivery and removal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-level sequential container transfer system to a multi-level parallel system. The first conveyor operates at a first level while the second conveyor operates at a second level, allowing simultaneous container delivery and removal operations. This vertical dimensionality change enables parallel processing, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the conveyor and star are driven independently with phased rotation, then collision-free container transfer is achieved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the first conveyor and second conveyor can rotate in opposite directions with phased rotation. The rotation directions and speeds are dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements to ensure collision-free container transfer between the conveyors and the star. This dynamic adaptability improves reliability while managing control complexity through coordinated motion control.
3Productivity
If containers are transferred vertically between levels using lifters, then the productivity is enhanced through parallel operations, but the device complexity increases due to additional lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container transfer function into horizontal conveyance (conveyors) and vertical lifting (lifters) operations. Each lifter is assigned to specific container positions and operates independently to move containers between the first level and second level. This segmentation allows parallel vertical transfers to occur simultaneously at different positions, enhancing productivity while managing complexity through modular, position-specific lifter units.
Data Source
AI summary
A container-processing machine includes a conveyor that rotates about a vertical machine axis, processing stations disposed around the conveyor, a star that delivers unprocessed containers to the conveyor and removes processed containers from the conveyor, and recesses disposed around a periphery of the star for engaging containers. Container transfer occurs by raising a container from a transfer position into a processing position.