Rotating Indexing Arm for Clamshell Container Denesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container denester apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and accurately separating nested clamshell containers without damaging them, leading to potential product loss, equipment contamination, and reduced efficiency in feeding containers to downstream processing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A container denester apparatus comprising an indexer chassis, indexing assembly with a rack and pinion gear system, and rotating indexing arms that selectively extend into the clamshell cavity to separate and dispense containers, ensuring precise control and handling of clamshell containers of varying sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional denesting equipment is used to separate nested containers, then container separation may be achieved, but the containers are likely to be damaged (dented, cracked, or cut)
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the denesting mechanism and the containers. The membrane selectively engages with the flange of each container during the denesting process, providing a compliant interface that separates containers without applying damaging forces to the container walls or structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state or properties of the separating mechanism by using a flexible membrane that can adapt its shape and engagement characteristics. This flexibility allows the membrane to conform to container geometry and apply forces only where needed (at the flange interface) without transmitting damaging stresses to the container body.
2Productivity
If multiple nested containers are fed to processing equipment, then space is conserved during storage and shipping, but the equipment may jam due to simultaneous container feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The denesting apparatus performs preliminary separation of containers from the nested stack before they reach the processing equipment. By pre-denesting containers and presenting them individually or in controlled sequences to the filling machine, the system prevents multiple containers from being fed simultaneously, thereby avoiding equipment jams while maintaining efficient space utilization during storage and transport.
3Ease of operation
If denesting equipment applies force to separate nested containers, then separation is achieved, but the fragile containers may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as a mediator that applies separating forces at the container flange interface rather than directly on the container walls. This intermediary approach enables effective separation of nested containers while distributing forces in a manner that protects the fragile container structure from dents, cracks, or cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is used instead of rigid separating elements. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to container geometry and apply controlled, distributed forces during separation, avoiding concentrated stresses that could damage the container structure while still achieving effective denesting.
Data Source
AI summary
A container denester apparatus for sequentially supplying nested containers, the apparatus comprising an indexer chassis, an indexing assembly and a rotating indexing arm. The rotating indexing arm is configured to extend into the clamshell cavity, which provides for the passage of clamshell containers therethrough. The indexing arm is rotationally coupled to at least one of the at least one rack gear, and has a lower cam profile and an upper cam profile, with the cam profiles extending into the clamshell cavity when properly rotated. In a starting position, a clamshell container is precluded from passage through the clamshell cavity, and, a portion of an underside surface rests upon the upper cam profile. Through rotation of the rotating indexing arm the lower cam profile forces the downward movement of the clamshell container while retaining the other clamshell containers nestedly coupled thereto.