Automated Clamp Head Mechanism for Stable Container Group Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging multiple containers together, such as using adhesives, require manual compression and lack efficient mechanisms for forming stable container groups.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize clamp heads to separate and compress containers along a transport section, applying adhesive to bind them into groups, with mechanical and electrical drives controlling the motion of clamp heads for efficient packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is applied to containers to hold them together in units, then the containers can be bound into stable groups, but manual compression is required which reduces packaging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual compression with an automated mechanical compression system. Clamp heads with container holders are positioned on a transport section to automatically compress containers against each other, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining stable adhesive bonding. The mechanical drive system automates the compression process, significantly improving packaging efficiency.
2Strength
If containers are compressed against each other to promote adhesive bonding, then stable container units are formed, but the process lacks efficient mechanical mechanisms for separation and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression function into multiple independent clamp heads, each equipped with container holders. These clamp heads are distributed along the transport section and can operate independently or in coordinated groups. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple containers simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual clamp unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport section serves as an intermediary element that carries both the containers to be bonded and the clamp heads that perform compression. This intermediary structure facilitates the interaction between containers and clamp heads, enabling efficient transfer and compression without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
3Productivity
If clamp heads are used to separate and compress containers, then packaging efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases with multiple clamp heads and drives
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp heads are designed as multi-functional units that can both separate containers from the incoming stream and compress them against adjacent containers. The container holders on the clamp heads serve dual purposes: gripping containers for separation and applying compression force for bonding. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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
Facilitates the formation of stable container packages by ensuring consistent adhesive bonding and efficient handling of containers, reducing manual effort and improving packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
applying adhesive to the containers at corresponding first and second treatment sections
Implementation Method 2
the containers are pressed together, or compressed, so that the adhesive that was applied to the containers at the first and second treatment stations binds the containers in the container group
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a container package includes forming container streams in which the containers have had adhesive applied thereto, separating the containers into container groups, with a container from each stream being in the group, and pressing the containers together from the side by using a pair of clamps so that the adhesive binds the containers together to form the container package.