Closing Ring Closure Device Snap-Fit Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing closing ring closure devices are unstable and difficult to handle during manufacturing and operation, requiring manual adjustment for opening and closing, which complicates automation in production and lidded drum systems.
Innovation Solution
A snap-fit locking device is integrated between the closing lever and traction bracket to fix the closure device in a wide-open position, allowing for easier handling and automation by stabilizing the component unit, enabling it to be fed into welding machines and lidded drum closing systems without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the closing lever is connected to the traction bracket only by means of a pivot pin with pivot bearings, then the closing ring closure device can be assembled from prefabricated components, but the system becomes comparatively unstable and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The closing lever is pre-fixed in a wide-open position using a locking device (cam and cam groove mechanism) before the welding process. This preliminary positioning ensures stability during manufacturing and handling, allowing the prefabricated components to be assembled and welded without requiring manual holding or adjustment throughout the process.
2Ease of operation
If the closing lever must be held manually in fully opened position, then the closing ring can be placed on the drum, but automation in production and lidded drum closing systems is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically maintains the closing lever in the wide-open position through its own mechanical structure (cam and cam groove engagement). The device serves itself by fixing the lever position without requiring external manual intervention, enabling automated systems to simply place the closing ring on the drum without needing to continuously hold or adjust the lever position.
3Productivity
If the closing ring closure device is designed as a stable system for automation, then manufacturing and handling is simplified, but the closing lever must be fixed in position by constructive means
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into distinct components: a cam element on the closing lever, a cam groove on the traction bracket, and a return spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve the overall locking mechanism, simplifying manufacturing and enabling automation without requiring an overly complex integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closing ring closure device for a closing ring with a closing lever and a one-piece or two-piece traction bracket, each of which are pivotably mounted by means of pivot bearings on a pivot bearing base on the closing ring side, wherein the traction bracket and the closing lever are pivotably connected to one another by means of a further pivot bearing. For automation in production technology and for the use of mechanical closing ring closure devices, e.g. on automatic filling lines, it is very advantageous if the two components closing lever and traction bracket are provided with special constructive means which are designed in a mutually coordinated functional mode between the two components as a snap-fit device for fixing the closing ring closure device in wide-open closing lever position.