Automated Can Height Adjustment System for Washing Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current can washing systems require manual adjustment of multiple stages by multiple machine operators, which is time-consuming, imprecise, and not easily repeatable for accommodating different can sizes.
Innovation Solution
An automated can adjustment system with drive mechanisms and height sensing devices, controlled by a global controller, allows for precise and repeatable adjustment of can washing system stages to accommodate various can sizes with a single operator, using preset buttons to recall and adjust stage heights based on stored information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of mechanical levers or hand cranks is used for each stage, then the system can accommodate various can sizes, but multiple machine operators are required and the process takes hours to set up and is not easily repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores height adjustment information for multiple can sizes in memory. When a can size is selected, the controller retrieves the pre-stored height information and automatically adjusts all stages to the correct heights, eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining adaptability to various can sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (levers and hand cranks) with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect can dimensions and motorized mechanisms to adjust stage heights automatically, reducing setup time from hours to minutes while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment by multiple operators is used, then various can sizes can be accommodated, but operator variability affects repeatability and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to precisely detect can dimensions and motorized mechanisms to accurately position stages, eliminating operator variability and improving repeatability while maintaining adaptability to different can sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect can dimensions and provide feedback to the controller, which then automatically adjusts stage heights to match the detected measurements, ensuring precise and repeatable positioning for each can size without relying on operator skill or judgment
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment procedures are used for each stage, then the system can be configured for different can sizes, but the complexity of coordinating multiple operators increases operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple independent stage adjustment operations into a single automated process. When a can size is selected, the controller simultaneously coordinates all stage adjustments, merging what was previously a complex multi-operator task into a simple one-button operation that maintains full configurability for different can sizes
Data Source
AI summary
An automated can adjustment system for a can cleaning system and associated method is disclosed. The automated can adjustment system can store different stage height information corresponding to various cans with different heights in a controller. The stage height information corresponding to the different can heights is associated with and recallable by various preset buttons operatively coupled with the controller. The controller is configured to communicate with the one or more drive mechanisms to adjust one or more stage heights based on the stage height information recalled when a particular preset button is selected. Different stage heights may be changed by then selecting a different preset button associated with a can having a different height.