Conical Mandrel Stabilization for Necked Can Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can decorator machines are unable to effectively decorate necked cans due to wobbling during the decorating process, as conventional mandrels are not designed to accommodate the smaller cross-sectional area of the necked open end, leading to deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel with a conical portion on its outer surface is used, where the can is drawn against this conical portion, and the space between the cylindrical portion of the mandrel and the can is pressurized to resist deformations during the decorating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional cylindrical mandrel is used for necked cans, then the mandrel can pass through the necked open end, but the can wobbles and deforms during the decorating process
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel features a conical portion with a smaller diameter at its distal end that corresponds to the necked open end of the can. This local variation in mandrel geometry provides targeted support at the can's narrowest section, preventing wobbling and deformation while maintaining overall compatibility with the necked can shape
Solution Approach 2:
The conical portion of the mandrel provides a curved, tapered surface that gradually increases in diameter from the distal to proximal end. This curved geometry better matches the transitional shape of necked cans compared to a purely cylindrical mandrel, improving contact and stability
2Length of moving object
If a cylindrical mandrel with smaller cross-sectional area is used to pass through the necked open end, then the mandrel fits through, but the can is likely to wobble during decorating
Solution Approach 1:
The conical portion creates a progressive transition in mandrel diameter that provides increasing support as the can is drawn onto the mandrel. The smaller distal end allows insertion through the necked opening while the expanding conical surface provides gradual stabilization, eliminating wobbling during the decorating operation
3Force
If suction is applied through the axial passage to draw the can onto the mandrel, then the can is secured to the mandrel, but the can may deform without additional support
Solution Approach 1:
The conical portion provides localized mechanical support at the can's sidewall region that complements the axial suction force. This distributed support system prevents localized deformation that would result from suction alone, maintaining manufacturing precision while securing the can to the mandrel
Solution Approach 2:
The conical portion is positioned to provide preliminary mechanical support to the can sidewalls before the full suction force is applied. This pre-support prevents initial deformation and creates a more stable configuration for subsequent suction-based securing
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 solution stabilizes necked cans on the mandrel, preventing wobbling and ensuring accurate decoration by applying suction and inflation, thereby maintaining can integrity during the decorating process.
Implementation Method 1
Suction applied through an axial passage of the mandrel draws the can to a final seated position on the mandrel
Implementation Method 2
the space between the cylindrical portion of the mandrel body and the can is pressurized so as to resist deformations in the can during the decorating process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mandrel (80) wherein a portion of the mandrel body outer surface (84) is conical; i.e., flared outwardly, is provided. In this configuration, the necked can (1) is drawn against the conical portion (100) of the mandrel body outer surface (84) while a generally cylindrical portion (102) of the mandrel body (82) extends into the can (1). Further, the space between the cylindrical portion (100) of the mandrel body (82) and the can (1) is pressurized so as to resist deformations in the can (1) during the decorating process. In an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel (80) includes an elongated mandrel body (82) with an outer surface (84), a proximal, first end (86), a proximal medial portion (88), a distal medial portion (90), and a distal, second end (92) and having an axis of rotation (52). The mandrel body outer surface (84) includes an elongated conical portion (100); the mandrel body outer surface conical portion (100) is disposed adjacently about the mandrel body first end (86).