Container Cell Carrier Orientation Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning machines for containers require large spaces due to rigid transport systems, limiting flexibility and efficiency in adapting to different cleaning orientations and steps, especially when dealing with varying container sizes and contamination levels.
Innovation Solution
A device with independently positionable container cell carriers that can rotate and translate relative to the transport path, allowing flexible alignment and reduced space requirements, utilizing movable connecting devices like swivel joints and linear stator drives for efficient container handling and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If container cell carriers are rigidly attached to continuously rotating conveyor chains, then the alignment of container cell carriers is predetermined, but large construction heights and lengths are required
Solution Approach 1:
The container cell carrier is made dynamically adjustable through a tiltable support structure that allows rotation between different orientations (first and second orientations). This dynamic capability enables the same carrier to adapt to different cleaning zone requirements without requiring separate fixed carriers for each orientation, thereby reducing the overall construction height and length of the cleaning device.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple adjustable components that can be independently positioned. The container cell carrier is supported by a tiltable mechanism that divides the alignment function into separate adjustable segments, allowing precise positioning in different orientations without requiring a completely rigid predetermined alignment system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deflections are necessary to change container orientation, then cleaning zones can be accessed, but large construction heights and lengths are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed deflection points in the conveyor path to change container orientation, the invention employs a dynamic tilting mechanism at each support position. This allows the container cell carrier to be tilted to the required orientation locally at each cleaning zone without requiring the conveyor path to make multiple large deflections, thereby compacting the overall device dimensions.
3Device complexity
If container cell carriers are fixed in predetermined orientation, then transport is simplified, but flexibility in adapting to different cleaning steps is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows the container cell carrier to be dynamically adjusted between different orientations while being transported. This dynamic capability provides flexibility to adapt to different cleaning steps (such as pre-cleaning, main cleaning, rinsing) without significantly increasing the complexity of the transport system, as the tilting can be achieved through simple rotational joints.
4Productivity
If large number of container cell carriers are rigidly attached to conveyor chains, then continuous cleaning is enabled, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling each container cell carrier to be dynamically tilted to the required orientation at each cleaning zone, the system achieves continuous cleaning capability with a more compact layout. The dynamic adjustment allows multiple carriers to be positioned in a smaller footprint area, as they can adapt their orientation rather than requiring fixed spacious alignment zones, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining continuous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning containers (24), preferably for cleaning reusable bottles in a beverage filling plant, comprising at least one container cell carrier (20) for receiving containers (24) to be cleaned and a transport device (3) for transporting the at least one container cell carrier (20) along an endless transport path (30), wherein the at least one container cell carrier (20) can be positioned independently of the orientation of the transport path (30).