Container Closure Spring Layout for Compact Head Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closing devices require complex adjustments for head pressure, are difficult to clean, and occupy significant space due to their design, especially with pre-tensioning devices located near the container opening.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pre-tensioning mechanism that integrates an elastic, pre-tensioned element positioned above or alongside a stroke curve follower, allowing for a compact design that simplifies adjustment and cleaning, using materials other than stainless steel, and relocates the ejector function upwards, and relocates the ejector function upwards. The device includes a closing mechanism that integrates an elastic, pre-tensioned element positioned above or alongside a stroke curve follower, allowing for a compact design that simplifies adjustment and cleaning, using materials other than stainless steel, and relocates the ejector function upwards. The device includes a closing mechanism that integrates an elastic, pre-tensioned element positioned alongside a stroke curve follower, allowing for a compact design that simplifies adjustment and cleaning, using materials other than stainless steel, and relocates the ejector function upwards. The device integrates an elastic, pre-tensioned element positioned above or alongside a stroke curve follower, allowing for a compact design that simplifies adjustment and cleaning, using materials other than stainless steel, and relocates the ejector function upwards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the pre-tensioning device is arranged close to the container opening with many individual parts, then the head pressure can be applied effectively, but the device becomes difficult to clean and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-tensioning device components into a more integrated arrangement where the elastic element is positioned above the stroke curve follower rather than having multiple scattered parts near the container opening. This merging reduces the number of individual parts while maintaining the head pressure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the elastic element vertically above the stroke curve follower, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate the pre-tensioning mechanism. This dimensional reorganization allows the device to maintain its force-generating capability while reducing horizontal space occupation and simplifying the overall structure.
2Force
If the pre-tensioning device is arranged close to the container opening, then the head pressure can be applied effectively, but the device becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pre-tensioning device from the hygienic area near the container opening and relocates it to a position above the stroke curve follower. This separation removes the complex pre-tensioning components from the cleaning zone, making the device easier to clean while preserving the head pressure application capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pre-tensioning device uses a locking mechanism with setscrew and rotation for adjustment, then the head pressure can be adjusted, but the adjustment becomes complex and requires cleaning after each adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex locking mechanism with setscrew and rotation from the adjustment system. By relocating the elastic element above the stroke curve follower, the adjustment can be performed without requiring disassembly or complex mechanical interventions in the hygienic area, thereby simplifying the adjustment process and eliminating the need for cleaning after adjustment.
4Force
If the pre-tensioning device is arranged in the conventional position, then the head pressure can be applied, but the overall length of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the elastic element above the stroke curve follower. This vertical arrangement allows the pre-tensioning device to be compact in the horizontal direction, reducing the overall length of the device while maintaining the necessary head pressure application capability.
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 reduces the overall length, preferably to the point where the pre-tensioning device itself requires no additional length, and relocates the ejector function upwards. The device includes a closing mechanism that integrates an elastic, pre-tensioned element positioned alongside a stroke curve follower, allowing for a simplified and cleaner configuration, using stainless steel, and relocates the ejector function upwards. The device integrates an inelastic, pre-tensioned element positioned above or alongside a stroke curve follower, allowing for a compact design that simplifies adjustment and cleaning, using materials other than stainless steel, and relocates the ejector function upwards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic, pre-tensioned element (e.g., a coil spring, preferably a compression spring) for applying a head pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for closing a container, comprising a closing element (12), a pretensioning device (26) with at least one elastic, pretensioned element (28, 30) for applying a closing pressure, and a stroke curve follower (20) for following a stroke curve. The stroke curve follower (20) is connected to the closing element (12) via the pretensioning device (26) for vertical movement of the closing element (12) when following the stroke curve. The at least one elastic, pretensioned element (28, 30) is arranged essentially at the same level as the stroke curve follower (20) or above the stroke curve follower (20). Alternatively, it is provided that a vertical extension of the at least one elastic, pretensioned element (28, 30) along a vertical axis and a vertical extension of the stroke curve follower (20) along the vertical axis overlap or adjoin each other.