Whirlwind Suction Transport for Flexible Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for forming and transporting imbricated streams of flat, flexible objects face challenges due to high costs and inflexibility, particularly with suction chambers that require complex setups and predetermined grid dimensions, leading to difficulties in handling objects with varying sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing whirlwind-based suction and transport devices, arranged on both sides of the transport path with adjustable offsets and angles, allows for flexible handling and reduced stress on objects by distributing suction force evenly, enabling continuous adjustment of overlap length and flexible arrangement of objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If suction chambers with predetermined grid dimensions are used, then objects can be transported in a structured manner, but flexibility in handling objects of varying sizes and shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructured transportVSAvoidflexibility in handling objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction force is dynamically distributed across multiple suction devices arranged along the transport path, allowing the system to adapt to objects of varying sizes and shapes while maintaining structured transport through coordinated suction force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If suction chambers with complex setups including control valves and supply lines are used, then reliable suction and retention function is achieved, but manufacturing and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction and retention functionVSAvoidmanufacturing and operating costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system is segmented into multiple independent suction devices distributed along the transport path, each performing a portion of the suction function. This eliminates the need for complex centralized control valves and supply lines while maintaining reliable suction and retention through distributed force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If suction chambers with predetermined grid dimensions are used, then objects can be held in fixed positions, but flexible arrangement of objects is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed position holdingVSAvoidflexible arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of suction force distribution by using multiple suction devices with adjustable positions and forces, allowing objects to be held securely while enabling flexible arrangement patterns that adapt to different object sizes and shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If high suction force is applied to prevent objects from falling off, then retention is improved, but stress on objects increases causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject retentionVSAvoidstress on objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The total suction force required for reliable retention is segmented and distributed across multiple suction devices positioned along the transport path. Each device applies a portion of the total force, achieving secure object retention while reducing stress on any single point of the object

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different suction devices apply locally optimized suction forces based on their position along the transport path and the local characteristics of the object, ensuring reliable retention while minimizing overall stress through distributed local action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution reduces operational and production costs, enhances flexibility in handling objects of varying sizes and shapes, and prevents damage by evenly distributing suction force, allowing for reliable transportation and formation of imbricated streams with adjustable overlap lengths.

Implementation Method 1

first means for generating a vacuum by means of a whirlwind for drawing in at least one object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWhirlwind vacuum generation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

higher suction force of the suction and transport devices based on a vortex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction force: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2660174B1Device for creating a layer transport flow of flat, flexible objects

Publication Date: 2019.11.20 BDT MEDIA AUTOMATION

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AI summary

The device (70) has a front sucking and transport device (M1) and a rear sucking and transport device (M2), which are arranged on different sides of a transportation path (TP) such that the sucking and transport devices are displaced against each other toward the transportation path about length (L). The sucking and transport devices are arranged distance from each other in a direction transverse to the transportation path. The rear sucking and transport device is bent at angle opposite to a direction of the transportation path. An independent claim is also included for a method for formation and transportation of a shingled stream of flat, flexible objects along a transportation path.