Clamshell Container Denester Flange Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container denester apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and gently separating nested clamshell containers, often causing damage and jamming issues, which can lead to product loss and equipment contamination.

Innovation Solution

A container denester apparatus comprising a frame assembly, indexing assembly, and drive assembly that positively controls the flanges of clamshell containers to individually denest the lowermost container from a stack, spreading the denesting force along the flange structure and retaining the upper stack, ensuring sequential and controlled feeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional denesting methods are used to separate nested containers, then container separation is achieved, but container damage occurs (dents, cracks, loss of integrity)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer integrityVSAvoidcontainer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The denesting force is segmented and applied at multiple locations along the flange structure through multiple indexing fingers rather than concentrated at a single point. This distributes the mechanical stress and prevents localized damage to the container

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing assembly uses movable indexing fingers that can dynamically adjust their position and apply force adaptively. The fingers move in coordination to gently guide the container through the denesting process rather than applying rigid, fixed force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple containers are fed at a time to increase productivity, then processing speed increases, but equipment jamming occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer feeding speedVSAvoidequipment jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The denesting apparatus performs preliminary separation of containers into individual units before they enter the filling equipment. The indexing assembly ensures containers are fully separated and properly positioned in advance, preventing jamming during the filling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates sensors that detect container presence and positioning, providing feedback to control the indexing mechanism. This ensures containers are fed one at a time in proper sequence, preventing overfeeding and jamming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If denesting force is applied concentratedly to separate containers quickly, then separation speed increases, but container damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer separation speedVSAvoidcontainer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The denesting force is divided into multiple application points along the flange structure. Multiple indexing fingers apply distributed force simultaneously, achieving quick separation without concentrating stress that would damage the container

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying force only in the vertical direction, the indexing fingers apply force in multiple dimensions along the flange structure. This multi-dimensional force distribution enables rapid separation while protecting the container from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If conventional denesting equipment is used, then basic container separation is achieved, but accurate speed and timing control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer feeding efficiencyVSAvoidspeed and timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors detect container presence, position, and movement, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This enables precise speed and timing control of the indexing mechanism to synchronize container feeding with downstream equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical denesting systems with a controlled system that uses sensors and actuators. This substitution enables electronic control of speed and timing, providing precise measurement and adjustment capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9624047B2Container denester apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 A & B PACKING EQUIP INC

AI summary

A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container.