Universal-Joint Slanted Plate for Even Radial Article Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution systems for articles with high adhesion, such as disassembled broilers, face challenges in evenly distributing and supplying broilers to radial feeders due to the slanted disk rotating with the distribution table, leading to uneven distribution and overlay of broilers, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A distribution supply apparatus with a distributor, conveyors, a support shaft, a plate with a universal joint, and a regulator that adjusts the plate's angle to orient articles randomly to different directions without motor assistance, using a universal joint housed in a cylinder to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a slanted disk is secured to the top of a distribution table and rotates together with the distribution table, then articles can be distributed to radial feeders, but the distribution becomes uneven and articles overlay each other on the distribution table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the plate independently movable relative to the distribution table through a universal joint mechanism. The plate can change its angle of inclination dynamically to orient articles toward empty radial feeders, resolving the contradiction between distribution efficiency and uniformity. This allows the system to adapt to varying distribution needs without rotating the entire distribution table or using complex multi-motor systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If a slanted disk and distribution table rotate by respective different motors to orient the slanted disk to empty space, then distribution uniformity improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the plate to automatically orient itself to the appropriate angle using the universal joint mechanism driven by article impact forces. This eliminates the need for separate motors to control the plate's orientation, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining distribution uniformity. The system serves itself by using the kinetic energy of falling articles to drive the orientation adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports the plate, allows angular adjustment, and transmits minimal rotational motion from the distribution table to the plate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components like separate motors or sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving uniform distribution.
3Manufacturing precision
If a camera and control system are added to capture empty spaces and control plate orientation, then distribution precision improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the proposed camera and control system with a passive mechanical universal joint mechanism. Instead of using optical sensors and electronic control to achieve precise orientation, the invention uses the mechanical properties of the universal joint to naturally orient the plate based on article impact forces. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive sensors and control systems while maintaining distribution precision.
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 cost-effective, even distribution of articles around the distributor without complex mechanisms, reducing costs and preventing contamination, while maintaining efficient supply to radial feeders.
Implementation Method 1
a universal joint coupling a center of the plate and a leading end portion of the support shaft
Implementation Method 2
a regulator configured to regulate an angle of inclination of the plate that slants based on the universal joint
Implementation Method 3
receive articles dropped from above and distribute the articles circumferentially
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution supply apparatus includes: a distributor configured to receive articles dropped from above and distribute the articles circumferentially; a plurality of conveyors arrayed radially along a circumferential edge of the distributor, the plurality of conveyors each being configured to convey, in a direction away from the distributor, an article received from among the articles from the distributor; a support shaft extending vertically and upward from substantially a center of the distributor; a plate configured to change, in contact with each of the articles to fall, a falling direction of each of the articles; a universal joint coupling a center of the plate and a leading end portion of the support shaft; and a regulator configured to regulate an angle of inclination of the plate that slants based on the universal joint, within a range from an angle at which the plate is horizontal to an angle at which each of the articles falls from the plate in a sliding manner.