Cam Roller Clutch Assembly for Slip-Free Container Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gripping devices for containers in manufacturing processes suffer from slippage and dust generation, which interfere with subsequent processing steps.

Innovation Solution

A clutch assembly with a cam-actuated roller mechanism that engages and disengages with the container's inner surface as the shaft rotates, providing secure gripping and minimizing dust creation by using a cam with multiple cam surfaces and rollers that extend radially to fit within the container opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional gripping devices (cups, belts, toothed rotation jaws) are used to grip containers, then the containers can be held and moved, but slippage occurs and dust is generated that interferes with subsequent processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip stabilityVSAvoiddust generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical gripping systems (cups, belts, toothed jaws) with a magnetic field-based gripping system. Magnets embedded in the gripping surface generate magnetic fields that attract and hold ferromagnetic containers, eliminating mechanical contact that causes slippage and dust generation while maintaining secure holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of gripping from mechanical force to magnetic force. By using magnetic field strength as the holding mechanism rather than mechanical pressure, the system achieves slip-free gripping without the friction and wear that generate dust particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional gripping devices are used, then containers can be handled, but slippage occurs during processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip stabilityVSAvoidhandling reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical gripping systems with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the gripping surface generate magnetic fields that attract and hold ferromagnetic containers, eliminating mechanical contact that causes slippage while maintaining secure holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If mechanical gripping systems are used, then containers can be moved, but dust particles are created that interfere with subsequent processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing continuityVSAvoiddust generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 clutch assembly effectively reduces slippage and dust generation, ensuring stable handling and processing of containers during manufacturing, applicable to various container materials and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

The clutch includes a cam having at least two cam surfaces and at least two rollers. Each roller of the at least two rollers is configured to (i) engage against an inner surface of the opening of the container and a cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

Each roller of the at least two rollers is configured to (i) engage against an inner surface of the opening of the container and a cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12257731B2Clutch assembly for handling a container

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 BELVAC PRODUCTION MACHINERY INC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a clutch assembly (100) for handling a container, and an associated method for using the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a shaft (102) configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction, opposite from the first direction. The clutch assembly further includes a clutch coupled to a first end of the shaft. The clutch includes at least two rollers (108) configured to move into a first position, extending radially beyond a periphery of the clutch, and out of the first position, extending radially flush with or inward from the periphery of the clutch.