Cap Gripper With Spring-Loaded Groove Narrowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cap grippers for filling machines do not effectively secure caps during the filling process, leading to misalignment and inefficiencies in sealing containers with liquid.
Innovation Solution
A cap gripper with a groove and a positively biased member, such as a spring-loaded screw, that creates a narrowing in the groove to securely hold a radially projecting portion of the cap, allowing for precise alignment and secure attachment to the filling machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cap grippers are used, then the filling process can proceed, but caps are not securely held leading to misalignment and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is designed with a dynamic narrowing feature created by the positively biased member that can move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the groove to adapt its width, providing secure holding when needed while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the groove by introducing a narrowing section. This parameter change transforms the groove from a simple cylindrical shape to one with variable cross-section, enabling reliable cap securing through the narrowed portion that engages with the cap's projecting portion
2Reliability
If more movable parts are added to secure caps, then cap holding improves, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cap securing function into the existing groove structure by adding a narrowing feature. This integration approach avoids introducing separate securing mechanisms and movable parts, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable cap holding through the geometric modification of the groove itself
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 cap gripper ensures reliable cap positioning and secure attachment to the filling machine, reducing misalignment issues and maintenance costs by minimizing the number of movable parts and using durable materials like stainless steel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded screw that is inserted into a screw hole of the cap gripper. When the cap is inserted into the cap gripper, the positively biased member may be partially depressed and/or refracted into the screw hole
Data Source
AI summary
A cap gripper is described herein with a groove for receiving a projecting portion of a cap. A positively biased member may create a narrowing in the groove to secure the projecting portion of the cap within the groove. The positively biased member may be positively biased by a spring-loaded screw that is inserted into a screw hole of the cap gripper. When the cap is inserted into the cap gripper, the positively biased member may be partially depressed within the screw hole to allow the projecting portion of the cap to be inserted into the groove. Likewise, when the cap is removed from the cap gripper, the positively biased member may be partially depressed within the screw hole to allow the projecting portion of the cap to be removed from the groove.