Integrated Bottle and Cap Washing Machine Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle washing machines are inefficient as they require manual handling and separate machines for washing caps, leading to increased time, cost, and energy consumption due to the lack of automated cap washing and re-capping processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact washing machine that integrates a de-capping module with grippers and nozzles for simultaneous washing and re-capping of bottles and caps, using conveyor belts and handling mechanisms to automate the entire process, including the use of separate washing nozzles for both bottles and caps within the same module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If caps are separated from bottles in a de-capping station and collected in separate cases, then bottles can be washed in an automated washing station, but manual handling is required to transport caps to another washing machine, increasing operation complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bottle washing station and cap washing station into a single integrated machine. The cap washing station includes a conveyor belt that receives caps from the de-capping station and transports them through washing, rinsing, and drying zones within the same machine structure, eliminating the need for separate cap washing equipment and manual handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine is designed to perform multiple functions: washing bottles, washing caps, rinsing caps, drying caps, and re-capping bottles, all within a single machine. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines for each operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels
2Productivity
If caps are transported manually from the de-capping station to another washing machine, then bottle washing can proceed, but time is lost in transport phases and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cap washing station within the same machine structure as the bottle washing station, caps are transported via an internal conveyor belt system rather than requiring manual removal and separate machine processing. This eliminates transport time and allows parallel processing of bottles and caps simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt in the cap washing station provides continuous automated transport of caps through washing, rinsing, and drying zones without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the time losses associated with manual handling and batch processing, maintaining steady throughput alongside bottle washing operations
3Reliability
If a separate washing machine is provided for washing caps, then caps can be washed, but electric power consumption and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both bottle washing and cap washing functionalities into a single machine with shared structural components, power supply systems, and control mechanisms. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate dedicated cap washing machine, thereby reducing total energy consumption and space requirements while maintaining reliable washing capability for both bottles and caps
Data Source
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AI summary
Washing machine for treatment of bottles (20a) equipped with a closure cap (20b) of the type used for watering of laboratory animals in the enclosures, and the related method of washing. In particular, the washing machine comprises a washing module (200) adapted to perform the simultaneous treatment of said bottles (20a) and the related closure caps (20b), each bottle and each cap being washed and rinsed individually.