Force-Sensed Cap Fitting Verification for Bottle Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fitting systems for caps and bottles do not provide a means to ensure the correct fitting of the cover onto the body, lacking a mechanism to verify the seal's proper attachment.
Innovation Solution
A nesting system with a wheel, lever arms, and force sensors that monitor the deformation during fitting, emitting electrical values proportional to the force applied, and a control unit to compare these values against predefined ranges to ensure proper fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fitting systems are used, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the correct fitting of the seal cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using force sensors to detect the force applied during fitting and comparing it against reference values. The control unit receives signals from the force sensors and determines whether the seal is correctly fitted based on whether the measured force falls within an acceptable range, providing automatic verification of fitting quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection or simple mechanical gauges with electronic force sensors and a control unit that processes electrical signals. This substitution of mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensing and control systems enables automated verification while managing complexity through integration
2Productivity
If manual inspection of seal fitting is performed, then equipment complexity is low, but productivity and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring the fitting force through sensors, comparing it against predefined reference values, and determining whether the seal is correctly fitted without requiring human intervention. The control unit autonomously makes the verification decision based on sensor data
Solution Approach 2:
The automated monitoring system provides continuous feedback by measuring forces during fitting, comparing them to reference values, and immediately determining fitting correctness, enabling high-speed verification that maintains consistency across all fittings
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 automatic monitoring and verification of correct fitting, allowing for adjustments when necessary, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable attachment of caps to bottles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor fixed on an element of the fitting system and arranged to emit an electrical value proportional to the deformation undergone when said one wheel presses on the second part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting system (200) for fitting two parts (50a-b) together and comprising a wheel (202) having an axis of revolution (202a) and bearing on the second part (50b) to fit it onto the first part (50a), two lever arms (204a-b) movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (206) offset from said axis of revolution (202a), at least one force sensor (208) fixed to an element of the fitting system (200) and arranged to emit an electrical value proportional to the deformation undergone when said wheel (202) presses on the second part (50b), and a control unit (80) connected to said at least one force sensor (208) and arranged to compare the electrical value with a predefined range of values.