Adjustable Container Overturning Guide Segments for Multi-Format Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional overturning ducts for containers in bottling and packaging plants are labor-intensive to manufacture, limited to specific can formats, and lack flexibility, leading to increased production and management costs due to the need for multiple ducts for different formats and inflexibility in handling production peaks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base frame comprising adjustable blocks and guide segments that allow for the rotation of containers by 165°, featuring adjustable guide segments and actuators to accommodate various container heights and widths, enabling industrial-scale manufacturing and flexibility across different formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional overturning ducts are used, then containers can be overturned, but the manufacture is labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The overturning duct is divided into multiple individual rods that are assembled together to form the guiding structure. Each rod is a separate component that can be manufactured independently and then connected through coupling elements, replacing the traditional single-piece manual bending process.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular rod-based design creates universal components that can be configured for different container formats. The same basic rod elements and coupling mechanisms can accommodate various sizes and types of containers, eliminating the need for specialized ducts for each format.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional overturning ducts are used, then containers can be overturned, but they are limited to specific formats
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically modified to accommodate different container formats. The rods and couplings can be repositioned and reconfigured to match the specific dimensions and requirements of various container types, allowing a single system to handle multiple formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter adjustments in the overturning duct configuration, such as rod spacing, coupling positions, and guide element dimensions, to match different container formats. By changing these parameters, the same basic structure can adapt to various container sizes and shapes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple overturning ducts are provided for different formats, then various container types can be handled, but production and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single modular overturning duct system is designed to handle multiple container formats through its reconfigurable rod and coupling structure. This universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized ducts, reducing production costs, simplifying management, and eliminating the need to switch between different duct configurations for different formats.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional overturning ducts are used, then containers can be overturned, but the system lacks flexibility for production peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The modular rod-based system with adjustable couplings provides dynamic reconfigurability, allowing rapid adaptation to different container formats and production requirements. This enables the system to flexibly respond to production peaks for various formats without being constrained by fixed, format-specific duct designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) for overturning containers (C) along movement lines (3, 4), particularly for cans, comprises: - a base frame (2a, 2b, 2c, 2f) associable along a movement line (3, 4) of a succession of containers (C) which have two opposing bases (Bl, B2) and a lateral surface (L), and - a plurality of guide segments (7, 8, 9, 10) associated with the base frame (2a, 2b, 2c, 2f), transversally arranged to allow the transit substantially to measure of only one of the containers (C) and longitudinally shaped to define an advancement path of the containers (C) at least partially in a spiral pattern, the guide segments (7, 8, 9, 10) comprising: - at least a first segment (7) and at least a second segment (8) adapted to guide the opposing bases (Bl, B2) of the containers (C), respectively; - at least a third segment (9) and at least a fourth segment (10) adapted to guide the lateral surface (L) on opposite sides of the containers (C); - first adjustment means (11, 12) adapted to adjust the mutual distance between the first segment (7) and the second segment (8) depending on the height of the containers (C); and - second adjustment means (20) adapted to adjust the mutual distance between the third segment (9) and the fourth segment (10) depending on the lateral overall dimensions of the containers (C).