Overhead Conveyor Transport Bag Orientation Change for Fast Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead conveyor systems face inefficiencies in the manual and semi-automated transfer of goods units, requiring significant floor space, high maintenance, and energy consumption, with limited load-bearing capacity and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for transferring goods units in overhead conveyor systems that utilize a rail-guided or chain conveyor system with transition areas and cam guides to change the orientation of conveying units, allowing for efficient, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient transfer of goods units using transport bags with rotatable suspension hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual insertion and removal of goods units is used, then flexibility in handling different goods units is achieved, but the system becomes slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport bag automatically opens and closes based on its position in the conveyor system. The cam mechanism converts the horizontal motion of the conveyor into vertical motion of the frame bracket, which automatically opens the bag at the loading position and closes it at the transport position, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining adaptability to different goods
2Productivity
If semi-automated or fully automated systems are implemented, then the speed of goods transfer is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires higher maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex automated mechanical systems with a simple cam mechanism that uses the existing conveyor motion to automatically open and close the transport bag. The cam profile is designed to convert horizontal conveyor motion into vertical frame bracket motion, achieving automated operation without complex actuators or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transport bag system is self-actuating through the cam mechanism. As the conveyor moves horizontally, the cam automatically pushes the frame bracket upward to open the bag, and when the conveyor continues, the frame bracket returns to its original position, closing the bag. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, sensors, and control systems
3Productivity
If top filling of transport bags is implemented, then loading efficiency is improved, but the upper opening becomes inaccessible due to the guide rail
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to fill the bag from the top (vertical dimension), the invention opens the bag from the side (horizontal dimension). The frame bracket pivots to create a side opening that is accessible from the conveyor level, allowing goods to be loaded horizontally without interfering with the guide rail structure
4Ease of operation
If the frame bracket is pushed upwards to open the bag, then the side openings become accessible, but the load-bearing capacity is limited due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The frame bracket is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It pivots on a horizontal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment between closed and open positions. The cam mechanism provides the force needed to overcome friction and open the bag, while the pivot design ensures that when closed, the frame bracket securely holds the bag contents, maximizing load-bearing capacity
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
The solution provides a compact, low-error, and cost-effective transfer system that maintains orientation changes, ensuring efficient handling of goods units with minimal space and energy use, while reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The transport bag is rotatably suspended from a support element of the conveying element via a suspension means about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a cam guide element which limits a rotational movement of a conveyor unit in the first transition area or in the second transition area
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A device (3) for transferring goods units into and/or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system comprises an overhead conveyor system (4) on which conveying units (1) can be suspended along a continuous conveying path (48, 48', 48"). In an input area (51) of the overhead conveyor system, conveyed units (1) are available for further processing. Downstream of said input area, a transfer device is provided in a transfer area (52) of the overhead conveyor system, with which goods units (91) can be transferred into and/or out of a conveying unit located in the transfer area. Downstream of said transfer area, processed conveying units are available for further use in an output area (53) of the overhead conveyor system. In the transfer area, the conveying path (48') runs substantially horizontally.The absolute orientation of a conveying unit in the room in the entry area and in the transfer area is essentially the same, and the relative orientation of said conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction (40) in the entry area and in the transfer area is essentially different; and/or the absolute orientation of a conveying unit in the room in the transfer area and in the exit area is essentially the same, and the relative orientation of said conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction (40) in the transfer area and in the exit area is essentially different.