Capsule Closing Unit Positioning and Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing encapsulated articles, such as those used in electronic cigarettes, face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning and sealing the closing element, leading to incomplete airtightness and reduced production rates.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a closing unit that includes an engagement device to position and weld a closing element onto the capsule, allowing for precise alignment and sealing while enabling the passage of vapors, utilizing a transfer device and stations for reagent product metering and filter insertion to streamline the encapsulation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional closing machines are used to seal capsules, then the sealing operation can be performed, but the closing element cannot be accurately positioned and centered on the capsule, leading to incomplete airtightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning mechanism that acts as a mediator between the closing element and the capsule. This mechanism includes positioning surfaces and guiding structures that ensure the closing element is accurately aligned and centered on the capsule before sealing, thereby achieving both precise positioning and reliable airtightness without direct manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical positioning systems with a more advanced mechanism that incorporates precision guides and alignment features. This substitution enables automatic accurate positioning of the closing element on the capsule, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and sealing reliability by eliminating human error and mechanical variability.
2Productivity
If conventional closing machines are used to seal capsules, then the sealing operation can be performed, but the production rate is reduced due to high execution times and inefficient closure operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning and alignment actions before the actual sealing operation. The closing element is pre-positioned and centered on the capsule using automated guiding mechanisms, which eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments and ensures the sealing operation can proceed immediately and efficiently, thereby increasing production rate while reducing execution time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional slow mechanical closing mechanisms with an automated system that integrates positioning, alignment, and sealing operations. This substitution streamlines the closure process, reduces execution time, and increases productivity by eliminating manual intervention and optimizing the sequence of operations.
3Strength
If the closing element is not correctly positioned and centered on the capsule, then the sealing operation can still be performed, but the adhesion of the closing element to the capsule is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning mechanism that ensures the closing element is accurately aligned and centered on the capsule before sealing. This mediator includes positioning surfaces and guiding structures that maintain precise alignment during the sealing process, thereby ensuring sufficient adhesion strength while requiring high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential positioning conditions by designing the positioning mechanism to maintain uniform contact and alignment between the closing element and the capsule. This ensures that the closing element is correctly positioned and centered, maximizing adhesion strength through even distribution of sealing pressure and contact area.
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 machine ensures correct and efficient closure of capsules, enhancing production rates and airtightness, allowing for high-quality encapsulated articles with precise positioning and efficient vapor passage.
Implementation Method 1
a welding device to weld the closing element to the capsule
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Closing unit (40) to close an aperture (23) of at least one capsule (22) with a closing element (28) to form an encapsulated article (20), said capsule (22) containing at least one dose of reagent product (24) and a filter (26) and said closing element (28) being suitable to let the fumes and/or the vapors produced pass from inside the encapsulated article (20), wherein the closing unit comprises an engagement device (43) of the closing element (28), in cooperation with the aperture (23) of the capsule (22), and a welding device (45) configured to weld the closing element (28) in direct connection at least with an abutment portion (25) of the capsule (22). The present invention also concerns a machine (10) to make articles (20) in capsules comprising the closing unit (40) as well as a connected closing method.