Variable Pitch Screw Transfer Device for Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container processing installations lack flexibility in adjusting the advancement step of containers between workstations, particularly when handling containers of different sizes or varying cycle times, leading to inflexible transfer devices and the need for large buffer storage, which increases the installation's bulk and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transfer device with a screw that maintains a consistent spacing between carriages when engaged and allows them to push each other when disengaged, defining two zones for adjusting the advancement step, enabling easy modification by replacing screws with different pitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transfer device includes a container buffer storage portion to accumulate containers and adjust advancement pitch, then the flexibility to handle different container sizes and cycle times is improved, but the bulk of the chain increases in length or width
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device uses a variable pitch screw mechanism that can be dynamically adjusted to match different container pitches. The screw pitch is made variable along its length, allowing the spacing between carriages to be changed without adding buffer storage portions, thus maintaining a compact chain configuration while adapting to different container sizes and cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the screw (pitch) to control the spacing between carriages. By using a screw with variable pitch, the system can adapt to different container advancement requirements without physical expansion of the chain, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and compactness.
2Ease of manufacture
If the transfer device is designed for a specific advancement pitch, then the device structure is simplified, but any change in pitch requires heavy interventions or complete replacement of the transfer device
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device incorporates a variable pitch screw that can be adjusted to provide different pitch values along its length. This dynamic capability allows the same device structure to handle multiple pitch requirements, eliminating the need for heavy interventions or complete replacement when changing container sizes, while maintaining structural simplicity through a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable pitch screw mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains constant spacing for a given pitch, enables pitch changes for different container sizes, and works with the carriage push mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to replace multiple specialized devices, improving both ease of manufacture and adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If carriages are kept in constant contact with the screw to maintain spacing, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to accumulate containers and adjust pitch is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device trajectory is segmented into two distinct zones: a first zone where carriages are in contact with each other for accumulation and pitch adjustment, and a second zone where carriages engage with the variable pitch screw for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function without compromising the other, achieving both positioning precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriages perform preliminary accumulation and pitch adjustment in the first zone before engaging with the screw in the second zone. This preliminary action ensures that when carriages engage with the screw for precise positioning, they are already properly spaced and ready for accurate transfer, combining the benefits of both contact-based positioning and accumulation 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 enhances the flexibility of container processing installations by allowing for precise positioning and easy adaptation to different container sizes and processing rates, reducing the need for extensive modifications and buffer storage, thereby optimizing the installation's efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The screw has two functions: it maintains a spacing between the carriages, equal to the pitch of the screw, as long as they are in contact with it, and ensures the movement of the carriages along the rail.
Implementation Method 2
When the carriages are no longer in engagement with the screw, they are in contact with each other and push each other mutually under the effect of the movement imparted by the screw to each carriage leaving the screw and coming into contact with its predecessor.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an installation for treating articles having a first and a second treatment station (10, 20), and a device (100) for transferring articles (P) between the two stations (10, 20), the transfer device having a rail (101) that defines a closed movement path for the carriages (110) which are mounted on the rail (101) and which are each provided with means for driving at least one article, the transfer device (100) comprising a screw (120) that extends along the rail (101) and engages with fingers secured to the carriages (110) in order to drive the carriages (110), the carriages (110) being in contact with one another when they are not engaging with the screw (120), and the thread being designed to keep the carriages spaced apart when they engage with the screw (120).