Transport Path Hexagonal Reconfiguration via Mechanical Impulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to reliably reconfigure cylindrical containers into compact hexagonal arrangements during transport due to increased static friction between contacting surfaces, leading to inefficient space utilization and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A transport path and method utilizing a horizontal support plane with a pushing device and an impulse introduction system, including guide rails that taper and mechanical impulses to facilitate the transition from rectangular to hexagonal arrangements by introducing vibrations and mechanical pulses into the support plane and/or pushing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If containers are moved row by row in a narrowing transport path to achieve hexagonal arrangement, then space utilization is improved, but static friction between contacting surfaces prevents reliable regrouping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical impulses and vibrations into the transport path and pushing device to overcome static friction between container surfaces. The vibration causes containers to momentarily lift or shift, reducing frictional adhesion and enabling smooth transitions from rectangular to hexagonal arrangements during pushed transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic mechanical impulses applied at specific intervals during the pushing process. These periodic impulses are synchronized with the transport cycle to continuously break static friction bonds between containers, ensuring reliable regrouping throughout the entire transport path rather than attempting single-action restructuring.
2Productivity
If containers are pushed along a narrowing transport path to form compact arrangements, then space efficiency is improved, but friction between shell surfaces increases leading to handling issues
Solution Approach 1:
Vibrations are introduced to the pushing device and/or transport path to reduce friction between container shell surfaces during the compacting process. This allows containers to slide past each other more easily in the narrowing transport path, maintaining high productivity while minimizing friction-related damage and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the container surfaces by introducing vibrations that temporarily alter friction characteristics. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to achieve the necessary sliding motion for compact hexagonal arrangements without the harmful effects of sustained high static friction.
3Area of stationary object
If every second row of containers is offset longitudinally to create hexagonal arrangement, then space utilization is improved, but static friction prevents reliable reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical impulses are applied to facilitate the longitudinal offsetting of every second row of containers. The vibrations reduce static friction between contacting surfaces, making it easier to slide containers into their offset positions and achieve the hexagonal pattern without excessive force or difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing device acts as an intermediary that transfers mechanical impulses to the container rows. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled offsetting of rows by delivering synchronized vibrations and pushing forces that overcome static friction and guide containers into the desired hexagonal configuration.
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
Enables reliable and trouble-free reconfiguration of containers into compact hexagonal arrangements, reducing friction and deformation, thereby improving space efficiency and handling during packaging and palletizing.
Implementation Method 1
an impulse introduction device for introducing mechanical impulses at least into partial areas of the horizontal support plane and/or into the pushing device
Implementation Method 2
if the container shell surfaces can only slide against each other to a limited extent, e.g. due to increased static friction effects between the contacting shell surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A transport path (10) and a method for the pushed transport of a plurality of similar articles (12) are disclosed. The transport path (10) comprises a horizontal support plane (24) provided for multi-row transport of the articles (12) and a pushing device (26) movable in a transport direction (14) of the articles (12) for resting against the rear of the articles (12) and for generating a feed movement acting on the articles (12) in the transport direction (14). Associated with the transport path (10) is a pulse introduction device (44) for introducing mechanical pulses at least into partial areas of the horizontal support plane (24) and/or into the pushing device (26). In the method, a movable pushing bar (28) resting against the rear of the articles (12) and pushing them in a transport direction (14) brings the articles (12) transported in multiple rows on the transport path (10) into a hexagonal arrangement (38) relative to one another.