Expansion Tool for Can Diameter Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating a non-uniform neck diameter on articles like bottles and cans to accommodate safety seals are costly and time-consuming, requiring either initial shaping or additional components.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a forming turret with an expansion tool having a lead-in, pilot, and forming diameter portions, which expands the open end of an article using a ram assembly and stripping plate, allowing for efficient diameter expansion suitable for pilfer-proof rings and other applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (initial shaping or additional neck components) are used to create non-uniform neck diameter, then safety seals can be retained properly, but manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion tool performs preliminary action by creating the non-uniform neck diameter profile in a single expansion step during article formation. The lead-in portion, pilot portion, and forming diameter portion work together to progressively shape the neck area before safety seal application, eliminating the need for subsequent necking operations or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by using an expansion tool with varying diameter sections (lead-in portion, pilot portion, forming diameter portion) to transform the uniform diameter article into one with a non-uniform neck profile. This controlled geometric transformation achieves the required neck shape for safety seal retention while maintaining production efficiency.
2Reliability
If conventional methods (initial shaping or additional neck components) are used to create non-uniform neck diameter, then safety seals can be retained properly, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the neck shaping function into the main article expansion process. The expansion tool integrates multiple functions (lead-in for gradual engagement, pilot for positioning, forming diameter for final shaping) into a single device that creates the non-uniform neck profile during the primary forming operation, eliminating separate necking equipment and additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion tool serves multiple functions: it expands the article diameter, creates the non-uniform neck profile, and prepares the article for safety seal application. This multi-functional tool replaces what would traditionally require separate necking equipment and additional neck components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If expansion tool with lead-in, pilot, and forming diameter portions is used, then efficient diameter expansion is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion tool is segmented into three distinct functional portions: lead-in portion for gradual article engagement, pilot portion for positioning and alignment, and forming diameter portion for creating the final non-uniform neck profile. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall tool effectiveness.
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 cost-effective and efficient expansion of article diameters, facilitating the use of safety seals without the need for initial non-uniform shaping or additional components, improving processing efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion tool is axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation and configured to move into an open end of the article to expand the diameter of the article
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (200) to expand a diameter of a can (205) or other article comprises a forming turret (210) that includes a stop plate (220) and a forming tooling (230). The stop plate (220) is configured to be adjacent a dome-end of a can (205) to restrict motion of the can (205); the stop plate (220) is axially movable relative to a turret axis of rotation. The forming tooling (230) includes a plate (234) and an expansion tool (240) axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation. The plate (234) includes an opening (235) through which the tool passes. The expansion tool (240) is configured to move into an open end of the can (205) to expand the diameter of the can (205).