Container Closure Head Pressure Layout for Cleanable Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closing apparatuses have complex pre-tensioning devices that are difficult to clean, require cumbersome adjustments, and occupy significant space, complicating the design and hygiene considerations.
Innovation Solution
A pre-tensioning device with an elastic, pre-tensioned element, such as a helical spring, is arranged at the same height as the lifting cam follower, reducing the apparatus's overall length and allowing for easier cleaning and adjustment outside the hygienic zone, while eliminating the need for additional space and complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pre-tensioning device is arranged in the conventional position within the closure head, then the head pressure can be applied to the closure, but the apparatus occupies significant space and is difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-tensioning device is extracted from the closure head and relocated to the lifting unit, separating the head pressure generation function from the hygienic zone. This extraction eliminates the cleaning difficulties associated with having the pre-tensioning device within the closure head while maintaining its functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-tensioning device is repositioned along the vertical axis of the apparatus, moving from a horizontal arrangement within the closure head to a vertical arrangement in the lifting unit. This dimensional change allows the device to maintain its function while improving accessibility for cleaning and reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If the pre-tensioning device is arranged within the closure head, then the head pressure can be specified, but the overall length of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-tensioning device is merged with the lifting unit structure, integrating the head pressure specification function into the existing lifting mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate space allocation and reduces the overall apparatus length by approximately 90 mm.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-tensioning device is nested within the lifting unit, utilizing the existing structural space. This nesting approach allows the pre-tensioning mechanism to be housed within the vertical extension of the lifting unit without increasing the overall footprint or length of the apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pre-tensioning device is arranged in the conventional position, then the head pressure can be adjusted, but the adjustment mechanism is complex and requires cleaning after adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the hygienic zone and relocated to the lifting unit, allowing head pressure adjustment without compromising cleanliness. This separation enables complex adjustment mechanisms to be used without the constraint of requiring cleaning after adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be externally accessible, allowing operators to adjust head pressure without entering the hygienic zone or disassembling components. This self-service capability eliminates the need for cleaning after adjustment while maintaining adaptability.
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
The new arrangement saves approximately 90 mm of constructive length, improves cleanability, and simplifies the adjustment process by allowing for external manipulation, enhancing the efficiency and hygiene of the container closing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic, pre-tensioned element (e.g., a helical spring, preferably a helical compression spring) for specifying a head pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an apparatus for closing a container, comprising a closure element, a pre-tensioning device with at least one elastic, pre-tensioned element for specifying a head pressure and a lifting cam follower for following a lifting cam. The lifting cam follower is connected to the closure element via the pre-tensioning device for vertically moving the closure element when following the lifting cam. The at least one elastic, pre-tensioned element is arranged substantially at the same height as the lifting cam follower or above the lifting cam follower. Alternatively, it is provided that a vertical extension of the at least one elastic, pre-tensioned element along a vertical axis and a vertical extension of the lifting cam follower along the vertical axis overlap or adjoin one another.