Bottle Capping Chuck Segmented Radial Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capping chuck systems for bottle processing are inefficient due to frequent fouling by sugar residue from soft drinks, requiring frequent cleaning or replacement, and are not adaptable to varying cap sizes and shapes, leading to production disruptions and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A capping chuck assembly with a housing and radially movable chuck segments featuring vertically positioned pins and a horizontally grooved surface with an O-ring configuration, allowing for flexible accommodation of different cap sizes and shapes without the need for frequent cleaning or replacement, utilizing a bearing-less design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ball bearings are used to facilitate movement of angled teeth to grip irregular size caps, then the chuck can accommodate varying cap sizes and shapes, but sugar from soft drinks accumulates on the chuck impeding operation and the chuck has to be cleaned or replaced frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying cap sizes and shapesVSAvoidoperational continuity before cleaning or replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck is divided into multiple independently movable chuck segments that can be positioned radially outward by spring biasing. Each segment can be individually adjusted to accommodate different cap sizes and shapes without requiring the entire chuck to be cleaned or replaced, thus maintaining operational reliability while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chuck segments are designed to be radially movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment to various cap geometries. This dynamic capability enables the segments to adapt to different cap sizes and shapes while the bearing-less design prevents sugar accumulation issues that plague static ball bearing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed chuck design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to the changing needs of the industry with different cap sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different cap sizes and shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck is segmented into multiple independently movable segments that can be radially positioned to accommodate different cap sizes and shapes. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability, as each segment can be independently adjusted without requiring a completely different chuck design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radially movable chuck segments provide universal adaptability to handle various cap sizes and shapes with a single chuck design. The spring-biased segments can be positioned to match different cap geometries, making the chuck multi-functional without complicating the overall structure or manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If ball bearings are used in the chuck assembly, then the angled teeth can move smoothly to grip caps, but the ball bearings become fouled by sugar residue requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth movement of angled teethVSAvoidtime lost to cleaning or replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ball bearings are completely removed from the chuck assembly, eliminating the component that becomes fouled by sugar residue. The angled teeth are designed to move smoothly without ball bearings, using alternative mechanical structures that do not trap sugar, thereby eliminating cleaning requirements and associated time losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using expensive ball bearings that require cleaning and maintenance, the invention employs simpler, bearing-less mechanical structures that are less susceptible to sugar fouling. This approach trades the longevity and smooth operation of ball bearings for a maintenance-free design that resists sugar accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution enables longer operational life with reduced fouling and minimizes production downtime by accommodating various cap sizes and shapes, thereby saving time and resources.

Implementation Method 1

Each chuck segment has a horizontally grooved back surface aligning with the grooves in the hub and configured for receiving an O-ring therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

Each chuck segment has a first end surface that is biased to allow the chuck segment to be move radially away from the centered mid-point of the central opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10093528B2Bottle capping chucks

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 SCOTT MICHAEL P

AI summary

The capping industry has many variations in each cap that is placed on containers. It is very critical that a capping chuck have the ability to adapt quickly and easily to each and every cap that is available. The present invention uses the flexibility in its construction to grasp all variations to the caps without the need for expensive and time consuming shut downs. The present capping chuck meets these ever expanding changes within the industry.