Adjustable Guide Cam for Container Clamp Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport devices face issues with passive clamps that apply high forces during insertion, leading to scratching and unsuitable handling of fragile containers, while active clamps suffer from excessive wear and misalignment with different container diameters.
Innovation Solution
A container transport device with a movable guide cam element that adjusts the clamp arm position relative to a mounting unit, allowing precise adjustment of clamp opening based on container size, using manual or automatic drives for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive clamps are used to transport containers, then the clamp structure is simple and cost-effective, but high forces are applied to the container during insertion causing scratching and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical spring-based clamping system with an active actuator-controlled system. The actuator (electric motor, pneumatic cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder) substitutes the mechanical spring force, allowing precise control of clamping force to prevent container damage while maintaining grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clamping force parameter from fixed (passive spring) to variable (actuator-controlled). The actuator can adjust the clamping force dynamically based on container type and size, optimizing the force level to prevent scratching while ensuring secure transport.
2Ease of operation
If active clamps with fixed guide cam elements are used, then the clamp can be actively controlled, but excessive wear occurs on the clamp due to unnecessary excessive opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guide cam element dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The guide cam can be repositioned along the cam element's path or replaced entirely, allowing the clamp opening trajectory to be optimized for different container sizes. This reduces unnecessary opening distance and minimizes wear on the clamp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal clamp system that can handle multiple container types by adjusting the guide cam position. A single clamp mechanism serves multiple functions by accommodating different container diameters and sizes through guide cam repositioning, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-settings clamps.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide cam element is fixed for one container type, then the clamp setting is optimized for that container, but centering and tracking errors occur with different container diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability of the guide cam element to maintain precision across different container types. The guide cam can be repositioned or the cam element can be exchanged to match different container diameters, ensuring accurate centering and tracking for each container type while maintaining the precision benefits of a fixed setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the guide cam system (position, angle, radius) to match different container dimensions. By adjusting these parameters, the clamp maintains optimal centering and tracking precision for various container types, resolving the conflict between fixed-precision setting and adaptability.
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 wear and tear on clamps, prevents scratching, and ensures accurate handling of various container sizes, extending the device's service life and improving handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a guide cam element (2) for specifying the position of a control element (50) for controlling the clamp arm position of a clamp (5)
Implementation Method 2
it is known to provide means on the clamp that apply a preload to the clamp arms, thus pre-tensioning them into the predetermined position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for specifying a clamp arm position of a clamp (5) for holding a container (8) in a container transport device (100), comprising a guide cam element (2) for specifying a position of a control element (50) for controlling the clamp arm position of a clamp (5), and a fastening unit (3) for attaching the guide cam element (2) to a base frame (110) of a container transport device (100), wherein the guide cam element (2) is movable in an adjustment direction (4) relative to the fastening unit (3); and a container transport device (100) comprising the device (1).