Capping Machine Gripper Asymmetry for Vessel Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping machines often cause scratches on vessels due to protrusions on the gripper coming into contact with the vessel during handling, and improper engagement can lead to capping failures, especially when handling vessels of different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A capping machine with a gripper featuring a pair of gripping arms with V-shaped surfaces, where only the inner surface of one arm has protrusions to prevent rotation, allowing for secure gripping and capping without scratching, and an adjustable mechanism to accommodate various vessel diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protrusions are provided on all gripping surfaces of the gripper, then the vessel rotation is effectively prevented, but the vessel may be scratched during handling and improper engagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies protrusions only to the inner gripping surface of the right gripping arm, while the left gripping arm has no protrusions. This localized application prevents vessel rotation during capping while avoiding scratches during vessel reception and delivery operations.
2Reliability
If protrusions are provided on the tip side gripping surface, then vessel rotation is restricted, but the protrusions may contact the vessel improperly causing centering failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates an asymmetric configuration where only the right gripping arm has protrusions on its inner gripping surface, while the left gripping arm has a smooth inner gripping surface. This asymmetric design ensures proper vessel centering while preventing co-rotation during the capping operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A capping machine includes a gripper having a pair of gripping arms provided on an outer peripheral portion of a rotating body and configured to grip a cylindrical portion of a vessel, an opening and closing device configured to open and close the gripping arms, and a capping head liftably and rotatably provided on the rotating body. The gripping arms are arranged symmetrically with respect to a radius of the rotating body. The gripper has a protrusion for preventing the vessel from rotating on a vessel gripping surface of the gripping arms. The gripping arms have outer and inner gripping surfaces which are connected in a V shape. The protrusion is formed only on the inner gripping surface of a right gripping arm. A cap held by the capping head is screwed onto the vessel while sticking the protrusion into the cylindrical portion.