Torque transducer assembly

Abstract

A torque transducer assembly includes a first shell having a threaded neck and a distal end. A second shell is also provided. A sensor module includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and a sensor. The first frame member is attached to the first shell and the second frame member is attached to the second shell such that the first and second shells are coupled to one another. A method of manufacturing a torque transducer assembly is also provided. A packaging system including a torque transducer assembly is additionally provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a torque transducer assembly that can be introduced to a capping system for measuring the amount of torque applied during a capping process. The torque transducer assembly can include electronics for storing and / or transmitting the measured torque and / or other measured parameters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Containers (e.g., bottles) with screw-type caps or lids are commonly used for packaging of nearly an endless variety of consumer goods. After such containers are filled with their desired contents, they are typically presented to a capping system which presents and rotates a threaded cap onto a threaded neck of the container until the cap is sufficiently tightened for sealing the container. The amount of capping torque required to fully seal the cap upon a container varies depending upon many factors including, for example, the size and thread configuration of the container's threaded neck. As containers are typicall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] One advantage of the present invention is its provision of a simple, quick, effective, and relatively inexpensive solution for measuring the capping torque applied by a capping system. Additional aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

is its provision of a simple, quick, effective, and relatively inexpensive solution for measuring the capping torque applied by a capping system. Additional aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Problems solved by technology

As containers are typically designed for efficiency to include as little material as possible, threaded neck portions often can only withstand capping torques that slightly exceed the capping torque required to seal the container.

Conversely, inherent variation in capping machinery may result in a capping application torque that is too low.

However, measuring the amount of capping torque applied by a capping system can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming.

However, none of these methods or devices provides a simple, quick, effective, and relatively inexpensive solution for measuring the capping torque applied by a capping system.

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