Can-Closer Roller Cleaning Tool for In-Situ Polishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning rollers in can-closing machines require complete disassembly and manual polishing, leading to inefficiencies and extended downtime for machine recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A tool with tractor discs and actuating discs that rotate the rollers at different speeds and directions, allowing for in-situ cleaning without disassembly, using rubber tracks for traction and interchangeable sanding stations for effective polishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rollers are cleaned using traditional methods (disassembly and manual polishing), then the cleaning can be performed, but the machine downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool enables the rollers to be cleaned in situ without requiring disassembly or external polishing equipment. The self-contained tool with integrated abrasive discs and tractor mechanism allows operators to clean rollers directly on the machine, eliminating the need to transport rollers to workbenches and reducing machine downtime significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is divided into functional segments: tractor discs for rotation, abrasive discs for cleaning, and a support structure. This segmentation allows the tool to be maneuvered into position around each roller and perform cleaning without affecting other machine components, maintaining productivity while ensuring cleaning quality
2Reliability
If the rollers are disassembled for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs the cleaning function directly on the installed rollers without requiring disassembly of the roller assembly. The tractor discs engage with the roller surface and rotate it, while abrasive discs apply cleaning action, all while the roller remains in its mounted position, simplifying the operation significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the roller. Instead of requiring direct manual handling and disassembly of the roller, the tool mediates the cleaning process by providing a mechanism to rotate and clean the roller in situ, making the operation easier and safer
3Reliability
If the rollers are removed and transported to a workbench for polishing, then cleaning can be performed, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool brings the polishing capability directly to the roller location on the machine. The tool contains all necessary cleaning components (abrasive discs, rotation mechanism) and performs cleaning in situ, eliminating the time-consuming steps of removing, transporting, and later re-installing rollers, as well as subsequent recalibration time
4Productivity
If the rollers are cleaned without disassembly, then productivity is maintained, but the cleaning effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool employs dynamic rotation of the roller through tractor discs that engage and turn the roller at controlled speeds. This dynamic action, combined with abrasive discs pressing against the rotating roller surface, ensures thorough cleaning while the roller remains in its mounted position, maintaining both productivity and cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to be positioned and prepared before contacting the roller. The abrasive discs are pre-mounted and the tractor mechanism is ready to engage, allowing immediate cleaning action upon contact with the roller, ensuring thorough cleaning is achieved without delaying machine operation
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 immediate restart of the can-closing machine after cleaning, reduces recalibration needs, and improves the polishing process by maintaining roller quality without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
tractor discs (14) which rotate the rollers (2a, 2b) to be cleaned, and which comprise at least one element in contact with these rollers to transmit traction to them
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuating disc (15, 16) which rotates in a different direction and/or at a different speed from the tractor discs (14), and has at least one element for cleaning the rollers (2a, 2b)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for cleaning rollers (2a, 2b) of machines for closing container or cans, which comprises a head (1) which is couplable to a motor and on which are mounted: -rotary drive discs (14) of the rollers (2a, 2b) to be cleaned and which comprise at least one element for making contact with the rollers, to transmit traction to same; -at least one actuator disc (15, 16) that has a different rotation direction and/or rotation speed to the drive discs (14), and which is provided with at least one element for cleaning the rollers (2a, 2b); and -a transmission (50) disposed between the motor and the discs (14, 15, 16)