Capsule Sealing Apparatus with Static Suction Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing telescopically joined hard shell capsules often result in mechanical disturbances that compromise the quality of the seal, leading to brittle and defective capsules due to inefficient removal of excess sealing fluid.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a capsule carrier assembly that stepwise rotates into static positions for uniform sealing fluid application and efficient suction to remove excess fluid, minimizing mechanical impacts and enhancing drying efficiency, allowing capsules to cure with reduced mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If capsules are tumbled and conveyed along a spiral path in a drying basket, then drying efficiency is improved, but mechanical impacts increase causing seal defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tumbling and spiral conveyance system with a static drying arrangement where capsules remain stationary in individual cavities while air flows through them. This substitution eliminates mechanical impacts that cause seal defects while maintaining drying efficiency through controlled airflow in a stationary position.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying basket is divided into multiple independent cavities, each holding a single capsule in a fixed position. This segmentation allows each capsule to be dried independently without mechanical movement, preventing the mechanical impacts that occur in traditional tumbling systems while ensuring uniform drying across all capsules.
2Loss of time
If excess sealing fluid is not efficiently removed, then drying time increases, but capsule walls deteriorate becoming brittle and thinner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic suction means positioned near each cavity to actively remove excess sealing fluid from the capsule gap. This pneumatic removal system efficiently extracts excess fluid without requiring extended drying times or mechanical tumbling, thereby preventing capsule wall deterioration while maintaining optimal drying speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction means operates before the capsules are fully dried to remove excess sealing fluid proactively. This preliminary removal action prevents the sealing fluid from penetrating too deeply into the capsule walls, thereby preventing wall thinning and brittleness before the drying process completes.
3Manufacturing precision
If capsules are subjected to mechanical disturbance during sealing, then seal quality deteriorates, but efficient fluid removal requires active processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing and drying functions into a single integrated apparatus where capsules are sealed and then dried in place within the same device. The suction means and air flow system are integrated with the capsule holder, eliminating the need for separate tumbling and drying equipment while maintaining high seal quality through minimal mechanical disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air flow as an intermediary medium to remove excess sealing fluid without direct mechanical contact with the capsules. This intermediary approach allows efficient fluid removal through evaporation and suction while avoiding the mechanical impacts that would occur with direct physical handling or tumbling.
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 results in higher quality seals with fewer defects, as capsules are dried efficiently and subjected to minimal mechanical stress, improving the physical characteristics of the capsule walls and reducing the likelihood of sticking during the curing process.
Implementation Method 1
suction means adapted to provide an area of low pressure around the capsule in the respective cavity after application of the sealing fluid so as to remove excess sealing liquid from the capsule
Implementation Method 2
The polymer material of the capsule body and cap is substantially soluble in the sealing fluid
Implementation Method 3
The drying basket includes axial slits through which a high velocity airflow is introduced into the basket. This airflow is sufficient to lift the capsules away from the inner wall of the basket and it is said to enhance the tumbling action of the capsules
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sealing telescopically joined hard shell capsules. The method includes i. placing the capsule in a static sealing position in a capsule carrier assembly; ii. in the sealing position, applying a sealing fluid uniformly to the gap of the capsule; iii. rotating the capsule into a static suction position angularly spaced from the sealing position; and iv. in the suction position, providing an area of low pressure around the capsule so as to remove excess sealing liquid from the capsule. The apparatus includes a frame, a capsule carrier, a sealing device, and a suction device. The capsule carrier including a cavity configured to accommodate a capsule. The sealing device being configured apply a sealing fluid. The suction device being configured to provide an area of low pressure around a capsule in a cavity of the capsule carrier.