Vibratory Compaction Device for Container Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical vibration tables for containers are costly and pose safety hazards due to purely vertical motion, which can cause containers to 'walk off' the table, and manual methods like flexing cardboard containers can lead to injuries.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory unit or compaction device with a movable upper structure connected to a base through pivot linkages and pneumatic cylinders, generating both horizontal and vertical motion to settle contents within a container, thereby increasing packing efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purely vertical motion is used for vibration, then the container contents can settle, but the container may walk off the vibration table creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from purely vertical vibration motion to combined horizontal and vertical motion. The linkage mechanism converts vertical actuator motion into elliptical container motion with both horizontal and vertical components, preventing the container from walking off the table while still settling contents effectively
2Productivity
If electrical vibration tables are used to settle container contents, then packing efficiency improves, but the monetary cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electrical vibration motors with pneumatic or hydraulic actuators that drive a linkage mechanism. This mechanical approach achieves the same container settling function at lower cost while maintaining packing efficiency improvements
3Productivity
If manual flexing of cardboard container sides is used to settle contents, then packing efficiency increases, but worker injuries can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dangerous manual flexing operations with an automated mechanical system. The linkage mechanism automatically applies controlled motion to the container, eliminating the need for workers to manually flex cardboard sides and thereby preventing injuries while maintaining packing efficiency gains
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 device enhances packing efficiency by reducing free space within containers, allowing more items to be packed, and improves worker safety by stabilizing the container and reducing the risk of injuries during the packing process.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic cylinder configured to convey motion to the upper structure
Implementation Method 2
an upper structure configured to hold a container; a base structure configured to be connected to the upper structure through two front end pivot linkages, and two rear end pivot linkages
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for compaction of an asymmetric load are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a movable upper structure is connected to a stationary base structure through front end pivot linkages and rear end pivot linkages. One or more actuators impart motion to the upper structure. The motion of the upper structure is controlled by adjusting the length and position of the pivot linkages. In other embodiments, the pivot linkages are attached to a pull arm that is attached to an actuator, and the pull arm imparts motion to the upper structure.