Variable-Length Protrusion Comb for Article Spacing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combs in the packaging industry are not well-suited for spacing apart articles that need to be handled in a packaging process, particularly when articles are not readily disposed for proper engagement or require additional spacing before packaging.

Innovation Solution

A comb with longitudinally opposed protrusions of varying lengths, where longer protrusions engage articles first to stop them while shorter protrusions allow adjacent articles to move forward, creating a predetermined spacing arrangement, and optionally featuring arcuate cam surfaces and resilient materials for efficient spacing and packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid one piece comb with uniform protrusions is used, then the comb structure is simple and robust, but it cannot effectively space apart articles that are not readily disposed for proper engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to space apart articlesVSAvoidadaptability to different article arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The comb features protrusions with varying lengths along its body, where each protrusion is specifically designed with a particular length to engage with articles at different positions. This local variation in protrusion length allows the comb to adapt to different article arrangements and spacing requirements while maintaining a simple rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the comb moves slowly to ensure proper engagement, then engagement precision is improved, but packaging productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement precisionVSAvoidpackaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The articles are pre-positioned in a contiguous arrangement before the comb engages them. The varying length protrusions are designed to engage articles at different times during the comb's movement, with longer protrusions engaging first. This preliminary arrangement and staged engagement allow for precise spacing without requiring slow comb movement, thereby maintaining high packaging productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If all protrusions are the same length, then the comb structure is simple, but it cannot create predetermined spacing between articles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing efficiencyVSAvoidcomb structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The comb features protrusions with varying lengths along its body, where each protrusion is specifically designed with a particular length to engage with articles at different positions. This local variation in protrusion length allows the comb to adapt to different article arrangements and spacing requirements while maintaining a simple rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11878875B2Comb for spacing apart a series of articles

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 FARAG TAWHID

AI summary

A comb for spacing apart articles. The comb includes protrusions defining recesses therebetween. At least one of the protrusion is longer than the protrusion located just in front of it. Also, a method of spacing apart articles.