Container Closing Drive Tracking-Error Control for Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closing devices face issues with damage and contamination due to incorrect positioning between the closing element and the container mouth, leading to device malfunction and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an electric drive device, preferably a servo drive unit, to monitor tracking errors during the closing process, aborting the movement of the closing element if a predetermined limit is exceeded, and allowing for safe continuation of the operation without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closing element is moved toward the container without monitoring, then the closing operation can be completed, but damage to the container and closing device may occur due to incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring the tracking error of the electric drive device during the closing operation. The control unit continuously compares the actual position of the closing element with the target position and adjusts the drive accordingly. This feedback loop prevents damage by detecting positioning deviations before they cause harm, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and safety mechanisms with an electric drive system and software-based tracking error monitoring. Instead of using mechanical stops, sensors, or interlocks to prevent damage, the system uses electronic control to monitor and adjust the closing element's position, thereby preventing damage through intelligent control rather than mechanical constraints.
2Reliability
If the tracking error monitoring is implemented with a low limit value, then damage prevention is improved, but the operation may be interrupted more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the tracking error limit based on the operational phase and container characteristics. Rather than using a fixed, overly conservative limit that would cause frequent interruptions, the system adapts the threshold to allow normal variations while still preventing damage. This dynamic approach maintains high reliability for damage prevention while minimizing unnecessary operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the tracking error parameter threshold based on the specific closing operation and container type. By adjusting the limit value parameter dynamically rather than using a single fixed value, the system achieves sensitive damage detection without causing excessive operational interruptions. The control unit can modify the acceptable error range according to the task requirements.
3Reliability
If the closing element is moved away upon tracking error detection, then safe operation is ensured, but additional movement time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary corrective action by moving the closing element away from the container only after confirming a persistent tracking error, rather than reacting to every minor deviation. The system first attempts to correct the error through feedback control, and only initiates the retraction movement when the error exceeds the limit and persists, thereby ensuring safety while minimizing unnecessary movement time and maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a method for operating a device (10) for closing containers (B). An electric drive device (18) of the device (10) is operated to move a closing element (14) of the device (10) to a container (B) accommodated in a container receptacle (12) of the device (10) for applying a closure (16) to the container (B). A tracking error (SF) of the electric drive device (18) during operation of the electric drive device (18) to move the closing element (14) to the container (B) is monitored by means of a processing device (26) of the device (10). If the monitored tracking error (SF) reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit value (G), the electric drive device (18) is operated to interrupt the movement of the closing element (14) to the container (B) and to move the closing element (14) away from the container (B).