Adjustable Support Plate for Container Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container treatment machines face challenges in securely fixing articles with different geometries, as existing support plates require frequent changes and are often expensive, imprecise, or damage-sensitive, especially when dealing with non-circular cross-sectional areas.

Innovation Solution

A support plate with movable levers that can be fixed to the lateral outer surface of containers, allowing for secure clamping and accommodating various geometries without the need for a central recess, and a mechanism involving a rotating ring and guide elements for precise positioning and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If support plates are changed to adapt to different article geometries, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different geometriesVSAvoidtime-consuming exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate incorporates movable levers that can be adjusted dynamically to adapt to different container geometries. Instead of changing the entire support plate, the lever positions and angles can be modified to accommodate various shapes, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating the time-consuming plate exchange process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is designed with multiple adjustable levers that can be configured in different positions and orientations, enabling a single universal support plate to handle various container geometries. This multi-functional design allows the same device to serve multiple purposes without requiring frequent replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If pins are used to hold containers, then structure simplicity is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to play between pins and container surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the simple pin-based mechanical system with a lever-based clamping mechanism. The levers apply controlled mechanical force to clamp the container securely, eliminating the play and positioning errors associated with pins while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If support plates are designed for circular cross-sections, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to non-circular shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to non-circular shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate features adjustable levers that can be repositioned and reoriented to accommodate non-circular container cross-sections. This dynamic adjustability allows the same simply-manufactured support plate structure to adapt to various geometries including rectangular, oval, and irregular shapes without requiring complex custom designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If form-fitting support plates are used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and time loss increase due to frequent exchanges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is segmented into a base structure and multiple independent adjustable levers. This segmentation allows the levers to be independently positioned and adjusted to create form-fitting contact points for different container shapes, achieving precise positioning without requiring the entire support plate to be customized and exchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables secure and precise fixation of containers with diverse geometries, including polygon and curved shapes, without damaging the containers, and allows for easy adaptation to different shapes without the need for frequent support plate changes.

Implementation Method 1

The base (5) is coupled to a compression spring (7), which acts on the base (5) with spring force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The at least one lever (9a-c) can be moved in rotation about an axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (11) of the container (3) and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the at least one lever (9a-c), when subjected to a force, to come into contact with its lateral outer lateral surface for clamping fixation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3025974B1Support plate for use in container handling and/or equipment devices

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 KRONES AG

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AI summary

A support plate (1) for use in container handling and/or equipment devices is disclosed. The support plate (1) has a base (5) for a container (3) and at least one lever (9a, 9b) for clamping a container (3) when positioned on the base (5). The at least one lever (9a, 9b) is rotatably movable parallel to the plane of the base (5) and can be applied force to its outer lateral surface to clamp the respective container (3).