Tray Handling Module With Elliptical Turning Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machinery for emptying trays filled with rod-like articles in the tobacco industry lacks the ability to optimize the path and derivatives of motion, such as speed and acceleration, which affects the efficiency and fluidity of the unloading process, particularly when handling both four-wall and five-wall trays with different rigidity and material properties.
Innovation Solution
A handling module and apparatus that incorporates a turning unit capable of rotating the tray during lifting, with gripping members that can move transversely to the axis of rotation, allowing for complex movements including elliptical paths, and an opening mechanism for five-wall trays, enabling precise control over the unloading process without mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tray is turned and lifted separately using different mechanisms, then the unloading process can be completed, but the motion path cannot be optimized and the derivatives of motion (speed, acceleration) cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the turning mechanism and lifting mechanism into a single integrated handling module. The turning unit rotates the tray while the lifting unit simultaneously elevates it, merging two separate operations into one coordinated action. This integration allows optimization of the motion path and control of motion derivatives without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the handling module where the turning and lifting operations are coordinated through controlled motion along an elliptical path. The system dynamically adjusts speed and acceleration profiles during the combined turning-lifting operation, optimizing the motion derivatives for efficient unloading while maintaining control over the tray and its contents.
2Productivity
If the apparatus is adapted for specific tray types (four-wall or five-wall), then the unloading process can be optimized for that tray type, but the apparatus cannot handle different tray types without mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the handling module with universal gripping members that can accommodate both four-wall rigid trays and five-wall cardboard trays. The gripping members are configured to securely hold different tray types without requiring mechanical adjustments or reconfiguration of the apparatus. This multi-functional design allows the same apparatus to efficiently handle various tray types used in the tobacco industry.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is moved along a simple path, then the mechanism is simpler, but the motion cannot be optimized for fluidity and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elliptical motion path for the combined turning and lifting operation instead of simple linear or circular paths. This curved elliptical trajectory optimizes the motion fluidity and precision during tray transport and unloading. The elliptical path allows smooth transitions between turning and lifting phases, enhancing operational ease while the path is controlled through the coordinated action of the integrated mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A handling module (19) designed to handle a tray (3, 13) filled with rod like articles (R) of the tobacco industry, comprising a turning unit (10) designed to turn the tray (3, 13), and a lifting unit (11) designed to lift and to lower the turning unit (10), the turning unit (10) is adapted to turn the tray (3, 13) during the movement of the lifting unit (11) characterized in that the turning unit (10) is further adapted to add to the rotation of the tray (3, 13) a translation transversely to the axis (12A) of the rotation shaft (12), and in a direction with a tangential component to the rotation.. The objects of the application are also the method and the apparatus (1) for emptying of the tray filled with rod like articles (R) of the tobacco industry, using the handling module (19) according to the invention.