Container Carrier Chain With Adaptive Spacing Toggle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport systems in beverage filling systems face issues with inconsistent spacing between containers, leading to spilling and damage, and require complex, mechanically susceptible spacing converters that compromise smooth operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a base chain and toggle lever mechanism that allows variable spacing between containers, using a base chain with pivotable chain links and a chain track to guide and stabilize the chain, ensuring smooth and reliable transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spacing converters are used to change container spacing between stations, then adaptability between stations with different spacing is improved, but device complexity increases and mechanical reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain links are designed to be dynamically displaceable relative to one another in the direction of transport, allowing the spacing between containers to be continuously adjusted. This dynamic configuration enables the transport device to adapt to different spacing requirements between stations while maintaining mechanical simplicity and reliability through a flexible chain structure rather than complex convertible mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex spacing converters are used to adapt container spacing, then spacing compatibility between stations is improved, but maintenance effort increases due to more mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible chain structure where individual chain links can displace relative to each other, replacing complex mechanical spacing converters with a simpler, more maintenance-friendly flexible transmission system. This flexible chain design reduces the number of mechanical components requiring maintenance while maintaining spacing adaptability
3Device complexity
If constant spacing transport systems are used, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but container spilling and damage occur due to inconsistent spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device incorporates dynamically displaceable chain links that can adjust spacing between containers during transport, eliminating container damage caused by inconsistent spacing while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity. The flexible chain structure provides the necessary adaptability without requiring complex convertible mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transporting containers along a transport path having: a base chain with a plurality of chain links lined up in a row along the transport path and connected to one another in a correspondingly pivotable manner via chain joints, wherein the chain links are at least partly displaceable relative to one another in the direction of the transport path, so that the distance between adjacent chain joints is at least to some extent variable; a plurality of container carriers provided on at least some of the chain links and configured to receive a respective container and carry it along the transport path; a chain track configured to guide the base chain along the transport path; and a toggle lever mechanism attached to the base chain and configured to effect the displacement of the chain links relative to one another in cooperation with the chain track.