Description:A MODULAR ARRANGEMENT FOR SEGMENTED TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention generally relates to part transfer system. More specifically, the embodiments of the invention relate to a modular arrangement for segment transport of material or parts in an assembly line.
BACKGROUND
A conveyor system is known to be a quick and efficient mechanism for transferring object or materials in a continuous manner in an assembly line manufacturing process. Several mechanisms are used to transfer the objects, materials or parts from one station to another. A few of the known synchronous and asynchronous part transfer systems include pallet and puck conveyors, overhead chain system, pneumatic conveyor, and walking beams. Each of the said transfer methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and they are chosen based on the nature, size, shape of object or material transferred and the optimal speed, precision required while transferring the objects on the conveyor.
In most assembly lines, the objects or materials are transferred from one station to another station on pallets. The said part transfer system requires expensive pallets in large quantities which adds to cost. Secondly, the pallets introduce variations at the assembly stations which cause problems in repeatability, especially on testing stations which in turn requires debugging the problems on the product and assembly line.
In one conveyor system disclosed in the US patent US11479415B2, titled “Method of independently controlling motion of movers along a path”, assigned to Procter and Gamble Co, the document discloses a system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers. The apparatus comprises a track forming a path for the plurality of movers, drive elements that are configured to sequentially engage a driven member of the plurality of movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along a track.
Another such conveyor system disclosed in US patent US4050571A, titled “Walking beam transfer mechanism with single actuator means to cause both lifting and carrying”, assigned to Anthony Kushigian, discloses a lift and carry type walking beam transfer mechanism. The mechanism involves walking beam carried by a slide mounted for reciprocal movement. A bell crank linkage enables raising and lowering of the walking beam by means of a hydraulic cylinder.
Another conveyor system discloses a modular assembly line for pallet less packaging which caters to the different manufacturing need.
Although, there are several part transfer systems which can be adopted for varying kind of the materials transferred on assembly line, a modular arrangement that eliminates the need for transfer of parts on a pallet are very fewer. Thus, there is a need for a pallet less modular arrangement, that is efficient in terms of speed and accuracy for transferring materials in a repeatable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention discloses a modular arrangement for segmented transfer of material. The arrangement includes a first horizontal plate, a guide rail, a second horizontal plane, a vertical motion cam, a rack, a link shaft, a vertical shaft, a pinion and an actuator. The first horizontal plate has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is provided with a pair of projections for retaining parts or materials, and the bottom surface is provided with at least two pairs of wheels. Below the horizontal plate, the guide rail is mounted and aligned with the said pair of wheels, and it is configured for a linear motion. The second horizontal plate provided below the guide rail is configured for a vertical motion. The second horizontal plate is operably coupled to a vertical motion cam. The vertical motion cam is connected to a rack and a pinion arrangement. The rack and the pinion arrangement is configured for a roto translatory motion. Plurality of modular arrangements are coupled to one another by means of a link shaft connected to the rack.
Another aspect of the invention discloses a conveyor system for segmented transport of materials. The conveyor system includes a plurality of modular arrangement. The modular arrangement includes a first horizontal plate, a guide rail, a second horizontal plane, a vertical motion cam, a rack, a link shaft, a vertical shaft, a pinion and an actuator. Each of the modular arrangements are coupled by mean of a link shaft connected to the rack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are listed below.
Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a front view of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 shows a side view of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 shows a top isometric view of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a conveyor system with plurality of modular arrangements in an assembly line, according to another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6a shows the vertical upward position of the modular arrangement in an assembly line, according to another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6b shows the linear forward position of the modular arrangement in an assembly line, according to another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6c shows the vertical downward position of the modular arrangement in an assembly line, according to another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6d shows the linear backward position of the modular arrangement in an assembly line, according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some aspects. However, it will be understood by persons with ordinary skill in the art that some aspects may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and units have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.
Various embodiments of the invention discloses a modular arrangement and a conveyor system for segmented transport of materials.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a modular arrangement for segmented transfer of material. The arrangement includes a first horizontal plate, a guide rail, a second horizontal plane, a vertical motion cam, a rack, a link shaft, a vertical shaft, a pinion and an actuator. The first horizontal plate has a top surface and a bottom surface. In one example, the top surface is provided with a pair of projections. The top surface accommodates the parts or materials to be transferred. The bottom surface is provided with at least two pairs of wheels. Below the horizontal plate, the guide rail is mounted and aligned with the said pair of wheels for linear motion. Below the guide rail, the second horizontal plate is configured for a vertical motion. The second horizontal plate is operably coupled to a vertical motion cam. The vertical motion cam is connected to a rack and a pinion arrangement. The rack and the pinion arrangement is configured for a roto translatory motion. Plurality of modular arrangements are coupled to one another by means of a link shaft of one modular arrangement connected to the rack of another modular arrangement for transfer of materials or parts from one modular arrangement to another in a sequential order.
Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The arrangement includes a first horizontal plate 1, a guide rail 3, a second horizontal plate 5, a vertical motion cam 7, a rack 9, a link shaft 11, a vertical shaft 13, a pinion 15 and a pair of actuators (not shown). The first horizontal plate 1 has a top surface 1a and a bottom surface 1b. In one example, the top surface 1a is provided with a pair of projections 1c. The top surface 1a of the horizontal plate 1 is configured for positioning the parts or materials. The parts or materials are transported in an assembly line across plurality of modular arrangement for traversing from one station to another station. The bottom surface 1b is provided with at least two pairs of wheels 17. The guide rail 3 positioned below the first horizontal plate 1 is mounted and aligned with the said pair of wheels 17 for linear motion. The second horizontal plate 5 positioned below the guide rail 3 is configured for a vertical motion. The second horizontal plate 5 is operably coupled to a vertical motion cam 7. The vertical shaft 13 is connected to the vertical motion cam 7 and the second horizontal plate 5. The vertical shaft 13 regulates the movement of the pinion 15 and the vertical motion cam 7. The movement of the vertical motion cam 7 enables vertical movement of the second horizontal plate 5. The vertical motion cam 7 is connected to the rack 9 and the pinion 15 arrangement. The rack 9 and the pinion 15 arrangement is configured for a roto translatory motion. The roto translatory movement of the rack 9 and pinion 15 arrangement enables restoration of the position of the first horizontal plate 1. The first horizontal plate 1 is coupled to a first actuator (not shown) that enables horizontal movement of the first horizontal plate 1. The link shaft 11 is coupled to a second actuator (not shown) that enables vertical movement of the first horizontal plate 1. In one example, the actuator is selected from a list comprising of a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a linear motor, a servo motor, induction motor, or an electrical actuator. Plurality of modular arrangements are coupled to one another by means of a link shaft 11 of one modular arrangement connected to the rack 9 of another modular arrangement.
Fig. 2 shows a front view of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The modular arrangement includes the first horizontal plate 1. The bottom surface 1b of the first horizontal plate 1 is provided with at least two pairs of wheels 17. The wheels 17 aligned to the guide rail 3 enable linear horizontal motion of the first horizontal plate 1. The vertical motion cam 7 linked to the vertical shaft 13 is coupled to the second horizontal plate 5. The link shaft 11 is connected to the rack 9 to enable horizontal motion.
Fig. 3 shows a side view of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The modular arrangement includes the wheels 17 aligned to the guide rail 3 for enabling linear horizontal motion of the first horizontal plate 1. The vertical motion cam 7 linked to the vertical shaft 13 is coupled to the second horizontal plate 5 to enable vertical motion of the modular arrangement. The pinion 15 arrangement along with the rack (not shown) is configured for a roto translatory motion of the modular arrangement.
Fig. 4 shows a top isometric view of a modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The arrangement includes the first horizontal plate 1 positioned above the guide rail 3 enabling linear horizontal motion of the first horizontal plate 1. The second horizontal plate 5 positioned above the vertical motion cam 7 and coupled to the vertical shaft 13 enables vertical motion of the modular arrangement. The guide rail 3 is designed with the guide which is cut at an angle. The angular cut reduces the resistance in transfer of parts or materials from one station to the other, thereby enabling a faster transfer of materials.
Another aspect of the invention discloses a conveyor system for segmented transport of materials. The conveyor system includes a plurality of modular arrangement coupled to one another for transfer of parts or materials from one station to another. Each of the modular arrangements in the conveyor system includes a first horizontal plate 1, a guide rail 3, a second horizontal plane 5, a vertical motion cam 7, a rack 9, a link shaft 11, a vertical shaft 13, a pinion 15 and a pair of actuators (not shown). The first horizontal plate 1 has a top surface 1a and a bottom surface 1b. In one example, the top surface is provided with a pair of projections 1c. The top surface retains the part or materials to be transferred. The bottom surface 1b is provided with at least two pairs of wheels 17. The guide rail 3 provided below the horizontal plate 1, is mounted and aligned with the said pair of wheels 17 for linear motion. The second horizontal plate 5 provided below the guide rail 3, is configured for a vertical motion. The second horizontal plate 5 is operably coupled to a vertical motion cam 7. A vertical shaft 13 is connected to the vertical motion cam 7 and the second horizontal plate 5. The vertical shaft 13 regulates the movement of the pinion 15 and the vertical motion cam 7. The movement of the vertical cam 7 enables vertical movement of the second horizontal plate 5. The vertical motion cam 7 is connected to the rack 9 and pinion 15 arrangement. The rack 9 and the pinion 15 arrangement is configured for a roto translatory motion. The roto translatory movement of the rack 9 and pinion 15 arrangement enables restoration of the position of the first horizontal plate 1. The first horizontal plate 1 is coupled to an actuator that enables horizontal movement of the first horizontal plate 1. Plurality of modular arrangements are coupled to one another by means of a link shaft 11 connected to the rack 9. The link shaft 11 is connected to the rack 9 for coupling a plurality of modular arrangement in an assembly line. Each modular arrangement is assembled in the conveyor system and the parts or materials are transported from one station to another by traversing from one modular arrangement to another modular arrangement. The assembly line with plurality of modular arrangements are represented in Fig. 5.
Fig. 6a to 6d generally describes the walking beam like motion of the modular arrangement. Fig. 6a shows the vertical upward position of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The transfer of the part from first station to second station is achieved by lifting the first horizontal plate 1 carrying a part or material along an assembly line. The link shaft 11 pushes the rack 9 to move forward. The pinion 15 and the vertical motion cam 7 rotate resulting in lifting of the second horizontal plate 5. The first horizontal plate 1 and guide rail 3 are lifted up due to the rotation of the vertical motion cam 7 and pinion 15.
Fig. 6b shows the linear forward position of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The transfer of the part from first station to second station is further achieved by linear forward motion of the horizontal plate. The first horizontal plate 1 carrying the part or material, further moves forward by mean of an actuator to a next station, thus transferring the part or material to the second station.
Fig. 6c shows the vertical downward position of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. Once the part or material is transferred from the first station to the second station, the rack 9 and the link shaft 11 move back to its original position. The vertical motion cam 7 along with first horizontal plate 1 and guide rail 3 descends in a linear downward motion.
Fig. 6d shows the linear backward position of the modular arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The modular arrangement upon linear downward motion, retracts the first horizontal plate 1 to the original position of the first station, thus completing one cycle of transfer of part or material from first station to second station. Multiple iterative cycles of roto translatory motion occurs for transporting parts or materials across the assembly line between plurality of modular arrangements in the conveyor system.
ADVANTAGES:
The invention provides a pallet less modular conveyor system. The modular arrangement of the invention can be combined for a multiple station transfer system in an entire assembly line. A single lifting actuator and a linear transfer actuator is sufficient to render the transfer of parts from one station to another. Multiple stations can be inserted into the assembly line with the help of the modular arrangement without the need for a new transfer system. The horizontal plate of the invention is customized based on the nature of the part or material transferred. The racks and pinions and vertical cams can be altered based on the part or material loaded. The actuators can be designed for required loads and speeds, independent of the modular arrangement. The guide rail is designed with the guide which is cut at an angle. The angular cut reduces the resistance in transfer of parts from one station to the other.
Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more aspects, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other aspects, or vice versa.
While certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A modular arrangement for segmented transfer of material, the arrangement comprising of:
a first horizontal plate 1 having a top surface 1a with a pair of projections 1c for placing the material and a bottom surface 1b having at least two pair of wheels 17;
a guide rail 3 mounted below the horizontal plate 1 and in line to the said pair of wheels 17, the guide rail 3 configured for a linear motion;
a second horizontal plate 5, positioned below the guide rail 3 and configured for a vertical motion;
a vertical motion cam 7 operably coupled to the second horizontal plate 5; and
a rack 9 and pinion 15 arrangement that is configured for a roto translatory motion and connected to the vertical motion cam 7.
2. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, additionally wherein a link shaft 11 is connected to the rack 9, for coupling a plurality of modular arrangement.
3. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vertical shaft 12 is connected to the vertical motion cam 7 and the second horizontal plate 5 for operation.
4. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical shaft 13 regulates the movement of both the pinion 15 and the vertical motion cam 7.
5. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement of the vertical motion cam 7 enables vertical movement of the second horizontal plate 5.
6. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement of the second horizontal plate 5 enables vertical movement of the first horizontal plate 1.
7. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first actuator coupled to the first horizontal plate 1 enables horizontal movement of the first horizontal plate 1, a second actuator couple to the link shaft 11 enabled vertical movement of the first horizontal plate 1.
8. The modular arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roto translatory movement of the rack 9 and pinion 15 arrangement enables restoration of the position of the first horizontal plate 1.
9. A conveyor system for segmented transport of material, the conveyor system having a plurality of modular arrangement, wherein each of the modular arrangement comprises of:
a first horizontal plate 1 having a top surface 1a with a pair of projections 1c for placing the material and a bottom surface 1b having at least two pairs of wheels 17;
a guide rail 3 mounted below the horizontal plate 1 and in line to the said pair of wheels 17, the guide rail 3 configured for a linear motion;
a second horizontal plate 5, positioned below the guide rail 3 and configured for a vertical motion;
a vertical motion cam 7 operably coupled to the second horizontal plate 5; and
a rack 9 and pinion 15 arrangement that is configured for a roto translatory motion and connected to the vertical motion cam 7.
10. The conveyor system as claimed in claim 9, wherein a link shaft 11 is connected to the rack 9, for coupling a plurality of modular arrangement.

Bangalore SUSHMA K C
27th February 2025 INTELLOCOPIA CONSULTING LLP
AGENT FOR APPLICANT
(IN/PA/2226)