CNC Shuttle Gripper for Flexible Hinged Cap Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machinery for closing hinged caps is limited to standard sizes and shapes, requiring extensive modifications and high costs to accommodate different sizes or shapes, restricting flexibility in closure designs and making it difficult for smaller operators to produce custom closures.
Innovation Solution
An automated device with a computer numerically controlled shuttle and part gripper that can select, rotate, and close hinged caps relative to their bodies using a guide surface, allowing for rapid adaptation to different sizes and shapes through programming and mechanical adjustments, enabling efficient handling of various closure designs without extensive machinery modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional carousel machines are used to close hinged caps, then the closing function is achieved, but the machine must be extensively modified to accommodate different sizes and shapes, resulting in high costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robotic manipulator with computer-controlled articulation that can dynamically adjust its movement parameters (amplitude, frequency, path) to accommodate different closure sizes and shapes. The robotic system replaces fixed mechanical carriers with programmable motion control, allowing the same hardware to adapt to varying closure geometries without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the closing mechanism by using computer-controlled robotic motion. Instead of modifying mechanical components for different closures, the system adjusts digital parameters such as robot arm trajectory, closing force magnitude, and hinged cap rotation angles through software programming, enabling rapid adaptation to different closure designs.
2Productivity
If standard closure sizes and shapes are used, then economies of scale are achieved in mass production, but flexibility in closure design is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic closing machine serves multiple functions by handling various closure types with a single system. The universal gripper and programmable robot arm can accommodate different closure geometries, enabling the same equipment to produce both standard and custom closures, thus eliminating the need for dedicated machinery for each closure type while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains high productivity through dynamic adjustment capabilities. The computer-controlled robotic manipulator can rapidly reconfigure its motion parameters and closing forces to match different closure designs, allowing the system to maintain efficient production rates whether manufacturing standard high-volume closures or custom low-volume variants.
3Reliability
If carousel machines with fixed mechanical carriers are used, then closing operation is stable, but rapid adaptation to different closures requires replacement of machine parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical carrier system with an automated robotic manipulator guided by computer numerically controlled (CNC) programming. This substitution eliminates the need for physical replacement of mechanical parts when changing closure types, as the robotic system can be reprogrammed digitally. The stability is maintained through precise CNC control while adaptability is achieved through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system provides both stability and adaptability through dynamic control. The computer-controlled manipulator maintains stable closing operations through precise motion control and force regulation, while simultaneously allowing rapid adaptation to different closures by adjusting programmable parameters such as approach trajectories, gripping forces, and closing sequences without mechanical modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated device for producing a closed part, commencing with an open part having a cap joined with a hinge to a body, the device comprising: a tool having a guide surface defined in an operating plane substantially orthogonal to a hinge axis; a part gripper disposed on a computer numerically controlled shuttle, the part gripper operable to: select an open part from a stream of identical open parts; engage one of: the cap; and the body, on a start point on the guide surface; slide the open part, within the operating plane from the start point to a finish point on the guide surface, to rotate the cap about the hinge axis from an open position to a closed position relative to the body; and release the closed part from the part gripper at a release station.