Knock-Out Ram Assembly Using Ceramic Retainers for Large Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ram systems face limitations in processing large containers, resulting in reduced output speeds due to increased loads and pressurization requirements, which affects the cost-effectiveness of container processing machinery.
Innovation Solution
A knock-out ram assembly with a ceramic knock-out and a push ram assembly featuring a hollow push ram and a polymer filler body, designed to minimize weight and empty space, allowing for increased processing speeds by reducing pressurization needs and weight distribution issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional ram systems are re-sized to handle large containers, then container size capacity is improved, but processing speed decreases due to increased loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the knock-out component from traditional metal to ceramic, which has different density and strength characteristics. This allows the component to maintain structural integrity for large containers while reducing mass, thereby enabling higher processing speeds despite the larger container size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining ceramic knock-out components with polymer filler bodies. This composite approach leverages the high strength-to-weight ratio of ceramics while using the lightweight polymer to fill empty space, achieving optimal balance between load-bearing capacity and weight reduction for high-speed processing
2Strength
If conventional ram systems use metal knock-out components for large containers, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases causing speed limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the material parameter from metal to ceramic for the knock-out component. Ceramic materials provide comparable or superior strength to metal while having lower density, thus achieving the required structural strength for large containers with reduced weight, enabling faster processing speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic knock-out components are designed as replaceable, cost-effective elements that can be rapidly exchanged. This allows optimization of each component for specific performance characteristics without concern for long-term durability, enabling use of lightweight materials that maximize processing speed
3Force
If conventional ram systems increase pressurization for large containers, then container retention is improved, but processing speed decreases due to pressurization time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the knock-out component by optimizing its shape and surface characteristics. This allows for more efficient force distribution and reduced pressurization requirements, enabling adequate container retention with lower or faster-applied pressure, thus maintaining high processing speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic knock-out components are pre-formed with optimized geometries and surface treatments that facilitate immediate effective engagement with containers. This preliminary optimization eliminates the need for gradual pressurization buildup, allowing rapid retention force application that maintains high processing speeds
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a knock-out ram assembly that includes a bushing and a knock-out ram extending through the bushing. The knock-out ram is configured to translate relative to the bushing. The knock-out ram assembly further includes a die coupled to the bushing at one end of the knock-out ram assembly, and a knock-out retainer assembly coupled to the knock-out ram at the one end. The knock-out retainer assembly includes a retainer and a filler body. The knock-out ram assembly further includes a knock-out retained against the knock-out ram at the one end by the knock-out retainer assembly. In one or more embodiments, the knock-out ram assembly is combined with a push ram assembly as a ram system for processing containers.