Automated Cup Unloading for Hygienic Continuous Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container-feeding devices, such as cup-feeding devices, suffer from contamination risks due to manual handling, incorrect operation, and potential delays leading to undesired dry runs, which compromise process reliability and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A container-feeding device with a conveying unit, unloading unit, and distributor unit that enables fully automated unloading and singulation of stacked containers, utilizing rotatable holding elements and movable release elements to handle containers efficiently and hygienically, supported by a control unit for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of containers is used, then ease of operation is improved, but hygiene is worsened due to contamination risks from hand germs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated container-feeding device that uses conveying elements, rotatable holding elements, and movable release elements to transport containers from receiving containers to the metering and/or filling device, eliminating direct contact with operator hands and preventing contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service operation where the automated system handles container feeding independently without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining hygiene while ensuring continuous operation
2Device complexity
If manual filling of changer magazines is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability is worsened due to incorrect operation and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual magazine filling with an automated system where conveying elements transport receiving containers and rotatable holding elements automatically unload containers into the magazine unit, eliminating human error and ensuring consistent, reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the feeding process, detect container positions, and adjust operations automatically, providing feedback loops that prevent incorrect operation and maintain high reliability
3Device complexity
If manual handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is worsened due to slow handling and machine stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual handling with automated conveying elements that continuously transport containers at optimized speeds, and rotatable holding elements that rapidly unload multiple containers simultaneously, dramatically increasing productivity without requiring proportional increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous operation by automatically refilling the magazine unit from receiving containers without machine stops or delays, ensuring uninterrupted container supply to the metering and/or filling device and maximizing productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A container-feeding device, in particular a cup-feeding device, for a feeding of containers, in particular cups, to a metering and/or filling device, has at least one conveying unit including at least one conveying element, in particular a conveyor belt, for conveying at least one receiving container in which a plurality of, in particular stacked, containers is arranged. The container-feeding device includes at least one unloading unit for an at least partially, in particular completely, automatic unloading of the containers from the receiving container at least by a rotational movement of at least one rotatably supported holding element of the unloading unit, which is configured for, in particular temporarily, holding the receiving container, and/or at least by a movement of an, in particular translationally, movably supported release element of the unloading unit, which is configured for a release of an unloading opening of the receiving container.