Variable Guide Rail for Dynamic Container Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container treatment lines face backlogs due to throughput differences and failures at treatment stations, requiring efficient buffer solutions that are dynamically adjustable and optimize space usage.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor storage device with parallel conveyors and a transfer device, along with a guide rail system that can adjust length and angle, ensures dynamic storage capacity and container separation without gaps, using a combination of drivable conveyors, guide bodies, and sensors for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size accumulation table is used, then the device structure is simple, but the storage capacity cannot be dynamically adjusted to match varying processing line requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is designed with variable length and variable angle capabilities, allowing the accumulation table to dynamically adjust its storage capacity based on processing line requirements. The guide rail can be extended or repositioned to change the accumulation table's length and orientation, enabling flexible adaptation to different container volumes and processing speeds without requiring a completely different device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulation table is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted along the guide rail. This segmentation allows the storage capacity to be modified in discrete units by repositioning individual table segments, providing adaptable storage while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular configuration.
2Productivity
If multiple processing stations operate at different throughputs, then the processing line can handle varied workloads, but backlogs occur due to throughput mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulation table is positioned upstream of the discharge conveyor, allowing containers to be accumulated in advance before being discharged. This preliminary accumulation action ensures that even when processing stations operate at different throughputs, containers are ready for continuous discharge without waiting, eliminating backlogs and maintaining steady productivity across the processing line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect container positions and the filling level of the accumulation table, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of the guide rail position and angle, optimizing the accumulation table's capacity in real-time to match the throughput variations of different processing stations, thereby preventing backlogs.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide rail length and angle are fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the container separation and gap-free tracking cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system incorporates variable length and variable angle capabilities, allowing precise adjustment of the accumulation table's orientation and position. This dynamic adjustment enables optimal container separation and gap-free tracking by aligning the guide rail with the specific geometric requirements of different container types and discharge configurations, achieving high manufacturing precision without an overly complex fixed structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a conveying storage device for containers, said device comprising: a first/second drivable conveyor which can convey containers on a first/second conveying surface in a first/second direction, the first and the second conveyor being positioned parallel to one another such that containers can be transferred from the first to the second conveying surface; a transfer device, which can be moved along the conveyor, for transferring containers from the first to the second conveying surface; a guide body which can be moved along a region between the first and the second conveyor above the first and the second conveying surface; and a guide railing for guiding and separating containers, said guide rail extending at an angle to the second direction and above the second conveying surface. The guide railing is variable in length and cooperates with the guide body such that the length of the guide railing and the angle can be varied. The invention also relates to a method for operating the conveying storage device according to the invention.