Capsule Closing Device Ventilation Grooves Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule closing devices require high separating forces, leading to capsule jumping, damage, and operational unreliability due to lack of pressure equalization during the separation and closing processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of ventilation grooves in the capsule shell receptacle to facilitate air flow and pressure equalization, reducing the need for high separating forces and minimizing damage by ensuring pressure equalization during both opening and closing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If high vacuum is applied to separate the lower capsule part from the upper capsule part, then the capsule separation is achieved, but capsule jumping and damage occur due to high alternating impulse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparating forceVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule shell receptacle is segmented with multiple ventilation grooves (at least two, preferably three) that divide the internal space and allow controlled air flow paths. This segmentation enables gradual pressure equalization rather than sudden pressure release, reducing the alternating impulse that causes capsule jumping and damage while maintaining reliable separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Air flow through the ventilation grooves acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vacuum system and the capsule. The grooves mediate the pressure transition by allowing controlled air entry into the capsule interior space, preventing sudden pressure equalization and the resulting high alternating impulse that damages capsules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high separating forces are used to detach the lower capsule part, then separation is achieved, but the capsule bottom tears or breaks upon impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation speedVSAvoidcapsule integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation grooves provide beforehand cushioning by preparing the pressure environment before the capsule is fully separated. Air can enter the capsule interior space through the grooves during the separation process, cushioning the pressure transition and preventing the hard impact that causes capsule bottom tearing or breaking when the capsule hits the receptacle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If high forces are applied during capsule closing, then the capsule is sealed, but the base is dented or breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule closing reliabilityVSAvoidbase integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation grooves segment the pressure distribution during the closing process. As the lower capsule part is pressed into the upper part, air can escape through multiple grooves rather than creating a single high-pressure point. This segmented pressure release prevents excessive localized forces that would dent or break the capsule base while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Force

If the capsule interior remains sealed during separation, then negative pressure forms making separation difficult, but pressure equalization causes high alternating pulse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparating forceVSAvoidalternating impulse

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation grooves extract the harmful effect of sealed negative pressure by providing controlled pressure equalization paths. Air is taken into the capsule interior space through the grooves during separation, preventing the formation of strong negative pressure that resists separation, while the controlled extraction prevents sudden pressure equalization that causes high alternating pulses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effectively reduces the risk of capsule damage and operational unreliability by minimizing the negative pressure and alternating impulse, ensuring reliable and gentle separation and closure of capsules.

Implementation Method 1

sufficient air can flow through the ventilation groove into the interior space between the upper part and the lower part of the capsule, so that pressure equalization is ensured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

High separating forces are formed by a vacuum acting on the lower part of the capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3861974B1Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 HARRO HOFLIGER VERPACKUNGSMASCHEN

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules (20), each consisting of a capsule top (21) and a capsule bottom (22). The capsule closing device (1) comprises a capsule top receptacle (2) and a capsule bottom receptacle (3). The capsule top receptacle (2) has a receiving bore (4) and an insertion bore (5) arranged coaxially with the receiving bore (4). The capsule top receptacle (2) has a support shoulder (6) on its inner surface (11) between the receiving bore (4) and the insertion bore (5) for supporting the capsule top (21). The capsule top receptacle (2) has a venting groove (9) on its inner surface (11), the venting groove (9) extending from the receiving bore (4) to the insertion bore (5).