Twisted Conveyor Belt Suction Cup Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object conveying and orienting devices struggle to adapt to objects of different shapes and sizes, and they are limited in handling non-ferromagnetic materials due to the reliance on magnetic retention systems.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a first conveyor belt with a conveying segment and an orienting segment, where the orienting segment is twisted to change the orientation of objects. The retaining device consists of multiple suction cups on the front face of the conveyor belt, which are in fluid communication with suction chambers connected to an air suctioning device, allowing for the retention of objects through suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are used to retain objects on the conveyor belt, then ferromagnetic objects can be retained continuously, but the device cannot handle non-ferromagnetic materials such as plastic, glass, cardboard, or aluminum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic retention system with a pneumatic suction system. Instead of using magnets to retain ferromagnetic objects, the invention uses suction cups connected to a vacuum source to retain objects of any material. This substitution allows the device to handle non-ferromagnetic materials like plastic, glass, cardboard, and aluminum while maintaining reliable retention through vacuum pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from magnetic field-based to pressure-based. By using vacuum pressure through suction cups instead of magnetic attraction, the system can retain objects regardless of their magnetic properties. This parameter change in the retention mechanism enables universal compatibility with different materials while ensuring reliable object retention during conveying and orienting operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two opposing conveyor belts are used to retain objects, then object retention is achieved, but the device cannot adapt to objects of different shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from the dual conveyor belt system and consolidates it into a single conveyor belt with suction cups. Instead of using two opposing belts to create a retaining channel, the invention uses suction cups mounted on one belt to retain objects. This extraction simplifies the system structure while maintaining retention capability and enabling adaptability to various object shapes and sizes through adjustable suction cup positioning and vacuum pressure control.
3Ease of operation
If a twisted conveyor belt is used to change object orientation, then orientation modification is achieved, but object retention becomes difficult without complex retaining structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function and the orientation change function into a single integrated system. The suction cups are mounted on the twisted conveyor belt itself, combining the retention mechanism with the orienting mechanism. As the belt twists to change object orientation, the suction cups continuously retain objects throughout the twisting motion. This merging eliminates the need for separate retaining structures and simplifies the overall device while maintaining both retention and orientation change capabilities.
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 enables the efficient and adaptable orientation of various objects, including non-ferromagnetic materials, by maintaining object retention through suction cups along the conveying segment and allowing for orientation changes without the need for complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining device consists of multiple suction cups on the front face of the conveyor belt, which are in fluid communication with suction chambers connected to an air suctioning device, allowing for the retention of objects through suction.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object conveying and orienting device comprising a first conveyor belt with a conveying segment (11), guided over a guiding surface and/or between two equidistant guides, and with a retaining device associated with the first conveyor belt (10); an object orienting segment (12), at least partially overlapping the conveying segment (11) in which the first conveyor belt (10) is twisted producing a twisted surface; wherein at least one first opening (41), in communication with at least one suction chamber (40), is defined along the conveying segment (11), on the guiding surface and/or between the equidistant guides, and wherein the retaining device comprises multiple suction cups (30) on the front face of the first conveyor belt, in fluid communication with said at least one suction chamber (43) through openings of the first conveyor belt (10) facing the at least one first opening (41).