Non-circular Closure Capping Device with Segmented Fixing and Transmission Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for applying closures to containers, particularly screw caps, struggle with efficiently handling non-circular shapes due to the need for complex grippers that require intensive maintenance and are difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receptacle containing both prestressed fixing and transmission elements, which project into the receptacle to securely hold and transmit torque to non-circular closures without using grippers, ensuring accurate alignment and reliable application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grippers with movable parts are used to handle non-circular closures, then the capability to process non-circular closures is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the closure handling function into two separate simple elements: fixing elements (balls or pins) that secure the closure in the receptacle, and transmission elements (with engagement portions) that transmit torque. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex movable gripper parts while maintaining the ability to process non-circular closures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active grippers that actively grasp and manipulate the closure, the invention uses passive fixing elements that simply hold the closure in place, combined with transmission elements that passively transmit torque when the closure is rotated. This inverted approach simplifies the mechanism by eliminating complex movable parts.
2Power
If grippers with movable parts are used to handle closures, then the capability to transmit torque is improved, but the ease of operation and cleaning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission function is separated from the closure holding function. Transmission elements with specific engagement portions handle torque transmission, while fixing elements handle closure securing. This segmentation allows each element to be simple in structure, facilitating easy cleaning and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing and transmission elements are designed as simple, replaceable components (balls, pins, or simple geometric shapes) that can be easily removed and replaced if needed, rather than complex gripper mechanisms that require disassembly and intensive maintenance.
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 reliable and efficient application of non-circular screw caps to containers by securely fixing and aligning them during the capping process, improving maintenance and cleanliness by eliminating the need for complex grippers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fixing element, which projects into the receptacle and is prestressed into it, for fixing the closure
Implementation Method 2
at least one transmission element, which projects into the receptacle and is prestressed into it, is provided for transmitting a torque to the closure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has an accommodation unit (3) for accommodating a plug (2). A biased semicircular head-shaped fixing element (6) fixes the plug in the accommodation unit. A pre-stressed transmission element (9) is utilized for transmitting torque to the plug. The fixing element and the transmission element are protruded in the accommodation unit and utilized for aligning the plug in the accommodation unit, where diameter of the transmission element is greater than that of the fixing element.