Capping Head with Magnetic Coupling for Tool-Free Torque Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing devices with magnetic couplings for screw caps on containers require cumbersome and error-prone manual adjustments of closing torque, which can lead to damage if not properly set, and lack efficient cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A closing head with a magnetic coupling featuring an adjustment device comprising a holding, connecting, and locking component, allowing tool-free adjustment of closing torque through a resiliently preloaded connecting component and a locking mechanism, along with a cleaning gap and protected magnetic rings for easy and secure torque adjustment and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of closing torque is performed using traditional screw elements, then the closing torque can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw element adjustment system with a magnetic coupling-based adjustment system. The magnetic coupling allows for tool-free, precise adjustment of closing torque by manipulating magnetic field interactions rather than mechanical threading, eliminating the time-consuming and error-prone screw adjustment process while maintaining accurate torque control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter from mechanical screw position to magnetic coupling strength. By varying magnetic field parameters (such as magnet positioning or magnetic material properties), the closing torque can be precisely adjusted without the time loss associated with mechanical screw adjustments, achieving both precision and speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of closing torque is performed, then the closing torque can be adapted, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system provides self-aligning and self-locking characteristics that eliminate the need for careful manual positioning required by screw elements. The system automatically maintains reliable torque settings through magnetic field interactions, reducing operator error and improving adjustment reliability while preserving full adaptability of closing torque values.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then torque adjustment is possible, but complex procedures are required including tapping the machine and using tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment procedures (tapping, tool usage, screw manipulation) with a simplified magnetic field-based adjustment mechanism. This allows torque adaptation through simple magnetic coupling modifications without requiring operators to tap the machine or use specialized tools, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining full torque adjustment capability.
4Power
If magnetic coupling is used for torque transmission, then rotational coupling is achieved, but the closing torque requires precise manual adjustment which is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the magnetic coupling parameters to enable automatic torque optimization. By changing magnetic field strength, magnet positioning, or coupling geometry, the system achieves reliable torque transmission without requiring precise manual adjustment, eliminating the error-prone nature of traditional magnetic coupling setup while maintaining high power transmission efficiency.
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 easy, precise, and tool-free adjustment of closing torque, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying cleaning processes, while ensuring secure and reliable operation of the closing device.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of magnetic elements, which are rotationally fixed to the drive element, can be positioned opposite a plurality of magnetic elements, which are rotationally fixed to the capping element
Implementation Method 2
Such magnetic couplings can be based on the principle of a hysteresis coupling
Implementation Method 3
The locking component is elastically preloaded to assume a locking position in which the locking component blocks the connecting component in the holding position
Implementation Method 4
The connecting component is elastically preloaded to assume a holding position in which the connecting component connects the adjustment component to the holding component in a rotationally fixed manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a closing head (10) having a magnetic coupling (16) and an adjusting device (26) with a holding component (28), an adjusting component (44), a connecting component (36), and a locking component (46). The adjusting component (44) carries a first magnetic ring (18) of the magnetic coupling (16). The connecting component (36) adjustably holds the adjusting component (44) on the holding component (28) for adjusting the first magnetic ring (18) relative to a second magnetic ring (20) of the magnetic coupling (16) for adapting a maximum closing torque. The connecting component (36) is elastically prestressed to assume a holding position in which the connecting component (36) connects the adjusting component (44) to the holding component (28) in a rotationally fixed manner. The locking component (46) is elastically prestressed to assume a locking position in which the locking component (46) blocks the connecting component (36) in the holding position.