Vertical Paternoster Buffer for Compact Feed Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed units for weight-checked articles, such as sausage or cheese slices, face challenges in efficiently managing different operating speeds and space requirements, particularly in implementing the first-in-first-out principle and reducing overall length, while allowing flexible operation and increased storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A paternoster buffer system with vertically circulating, synchronously driven buffer elements and a control system for controlled movement, combined with weighing belts and internal conveyors, enables flexible operation, independent removal sequences, and reduced structural complexity, allowing for efficient transfer and storage of articles without additional length requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If horizontal buffer belts are arranged one above the other for storing slices, then storage capacity is provided, but the overall length and space requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal buffer belt arrangement to a vertical paternoster buffer design. Buffer elements are arranged vertically and circulate in a vertical plane, changing the spatial dimension from horizontal stacking to vertical circulation. This allows multiple buffer elements to be compactly arranged in the vertical direction while maintaining storage capacity, thereby reducing the overall horizontal length of the feed unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The paternoster buffer elements are nested within a compact vertical structure where multiple buffer elements share the same vertical space through circular circulation. The buffer elements are attached to circulating ties that move them through a vertical loop, allowing dense packing of buffer capacity within a small horizontal footprint.
2Ease of operation
If multiple successive conveyor belts are used for transferring articles, then article transfer is enabled, but the device complexity and overall length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The paternoster buffer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a storage buffer for articles, provides controlled release of articles to match different operating speeds, and enables first-in-first-out sequencing. The circulating ties that move buffer elements also serve as the drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate drive systems. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining article transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the buffer storage function with the article transfer function into a single integrated paternoster system. The vertical circulation of buffer elements combines storage and conveyance in one mechanism, eliminating the need for separate horizontal conveyor belts for both buffering and transfer operations.
3Reliability
If buffer elements are arranged one behind the other horizontally, then first-in-first-out principle can be implemented, but the space requirement and construction length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements first-in-first-out sequencing by arranging buffer elements in vertical circulation rather than horizontal sequence. Buffer elements enter the circulation at a lower position and exit at an upper position, maintaining chronological order through vertical movement. This vertical arrangement preserves FIFO reliability while reducing horizontal space requirements compared to linear horizontal arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the feed unit is designed to accommodate different operating speeds of upstream and downstream units, then flexibility is improved, but the buffer size and overall length must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The paternoster buffer provides dynamic adjustment capability through its vertical circulation mechanism. The circulation speed of the paternoster can be independently controlled to match different operating speeds of upstream slicing machines and downstream packaging machines. Buffer elements can be held in circulation longer or released faster as needed, providing operational flexibility without requiring excessive buffer capacity or horizontal length.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to keep the overall length of an insertion feed unit small despite high variability, a vertical paternoster buffer is used as a buffer therein.