Variable-Capacity Article Store With Compensation Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable-capacity stores for cylindrical articles in the tobacco processing industry are complex, expensive, and prone to damage articles due to pneumatic conveyors, with limited flexibility in positioning input and output stations and difficulty in adjusting article flow.
Innovation Solution
A variable-capacity store design featuring a conveyor assembly with helical and linear segments, a transfer conveyor assembly, and an unloading device with a compensation area and control unit to adjust article flow, allowing precise positioning and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pneumatic conveyors are used to convey articles, then the conveying speed and efficiency are improved, but the articles are damaged and particles detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic conveyor system from the article conveying path. Instead of using pneumatic conveyors, the invention employs gravity-fed chutes and mechanical conveyors that gently guide articles without high-velocity air streams, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of article damage while maintaining conveying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanical conveying elements (such as gentle inclined planes, gravity chutes, and controlled transfer mechanisms) between the storage silo and packaging machines. These intermediaries transfer articles without the direct high-speed pneumatic impact that causes damage, acting as a buffer that preserves article integrity while enabling continuous flow
2Area of stationary object
If two conveying portions are arranged one within the other to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple independent silos arranged in a linear or modular configuration rather than nested concentrically. Each silo is a separate, simple cylindrical structure with its own outlet, allowing for easier manufacturing, maintenance, and assembly while achieving high space utilization through compact linear arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging conveying portions one within the other in the radial dimension, the patent utilizes the vertical and linear horizontal dimensions by stacking silos vertically or arranging them in a compact linear sequence. This dimensional reorganization achieves high space efficiency without requiring the complex nested structure of concentric conveyors
3Use of energy by moving object
If the output station is fixed at the bottom for gravity conveyance, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the flexibility in positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, adjustable outlet positions on each silo rather than fixed bottom outlets. The outlets can be moved vertically and angularly to direct articles to different destinations, allowing the system to adapt to various downstream machine configurations while still utilizing gravity as the primary driving force
Solution Approach 2:
Each silo is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it can discharge articles to multiple different locations through adjustable outlets, serve different packaging lines, and accommodate varying production requirements. This universality allows a single silo design to fulfill multiple positioning needs without requiring dedicated fixed outlets for each position
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
The design provides a stable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for conveying cylindrical articles, reducing damage and clogging while enabling precise article flow adjustment and flexible positioning of input and output stations.
Implementation Method 1
a first conveyor (6) for conveying the articles (2) from the input station (4) along a segment (S1) of the path (P); and a second conveyor (7) for conveying the articles (2) to the output station (5) along a segment (S2) of the path (P)
Implementation Method 2
a transfer conveyor assembly (8), which is configured to convey the articles (2) from the first conveyor (6) to the second conveyor (7) along a transfer segment (IS) of the path (P)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A variable-capacity store for cylindrical articles (2) of the tobacco processing industry; the store (1) comprises a conveyor assembly (3), which is provided with a first conveyor (6) and a second conveyor (7) and is configured to convey the articles (2) from an input station (4) to an output station (5) along a path (P); a transfer conveyor assembly (8), which is configured to convey the articles (2) from the first conveyor (6) to the second conveyor (7); a moving assembly for moving the transfer conveyor assembly (8) so as to move change the length of the path (P) and, hence, the capacity of the store (1); an unloading device (5') comprises: a third conveyor (5") for transferring the articles (2) to a machine (M) arranged downstream of the store (1), a compensation area (CA) for containing a variable quantity of articles (2), and a control unit (CU) for adjusting the speed of the third conveyor (5") and of the second conveyor (7).