Closure Cap Folding Rail for Inward Retaining Ring Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices are inefficient in folding radially outwardly projecting retaining rings of closure caps inwardly, particularly in materials like PET, which are commonly used in containers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first transport device with a rotatable driver and a stationary folding rail that changes folding angles along a processing path, allowing the edge portion of the closure cap to be folded orthogonally to the axis of rotation, utilizing a weakening line and folding rail sections to efficiently fold the edge portion inwardly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cylinder is used to fold the retaining ring inwards, then the folding efficiency is improved, but the device can only handle retaining rings that are parallel to the axis of rotation and do not protrude beyond the radius of the closure cap
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional cylinder that folds parallel to the axis of rotation, the patent employs a folding blade that moves radially inward perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This inverted approach allows the retaining ring to be folded inwards even when it projects radially outward, resolving the limitation of conventional folding devices
Solution Approach 2:
The folding action is transitioned from axial direction (parallel to rotation axis) to radial direction (perpendicular to rotation axis). The folding blade moves in a different dimensional space, enabling it to engage and fold radially outwardly projecting retaining rings that cannot be handled by conventional axial folding mechanisms
2Reliability
If the retaining ring is designed to protrude radially outward, then the safety function is improved, but existing folding devices cannot efficiently fold such retaining rings inwards
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism inverts the conventional approach by using a radially moving blade instead of an axially moving cylinder. This allows the retaining ring to maintain its radially outward projection for safety while still being efficiently folded inwards during the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The folding operation is performed at an optimized stage in the manufacturing process, after the retaining ring has been formed with its radially outward projection. The folding blade is positioned and configured in advance to efficiently engage and fold the protruding retaining ring without requiring additional manufacturing steps
Data Source
AI summary
A device for folding an edge portion (72) along a circumferential direction of a mantle of a closure cap (70) for a container, for forming a retaining ring on the closure cap (70), comprises a first transport device for transporting the closure cap (70) along a transport path, which comprises a processing path, wherein the first transport device comprises a driver (60) rotatable about an axis of rotation for receiving a closure cap (70). A stationary folding rail (10; 50) with a folding angle that changes along the processing path is arranged along the processing path in such a way that during transport of a closure cap (70) by the first transport device along the folding rail (10; 50), the edge portion (72) can be folded along the circumferential direction of the mantle of the closure cap (70) in the direction of the axis of rotation about a folding axis that is orientated orthogonally to the axis of rotation and spaced apart from the axis of rotation.