Container Compression Apparatus with Transport and Holding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective solutions for compressing large plastic containers, such as kegs with volumes of 20 liters or more, which are difficult to handle and transport due to their size and weight, and existing compression devices are not designed for producing compressed containers but rather for emptying them.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising holding devices for compressing containers, a movement device to move these holding devices, and a transport device to position the containers for compression, allowing for the mechanical production of compressed containers by compressing them in an unfilled state, with optional internal pressure application and inspection mechanisms to ensure quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large plastic containers are produced with large volume for storage capacity, then the filling volume increases, but the handling difficulty and transportation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple compressed containers inside each other or stacking them in a compact arrangement. The compression device reduces the volume of individual containers so they can be nested within one another, similar to Russian dolls, thereby improving space utilization and handling ease while maintaining the total filling capacity of multiple containers
2Ease of manufacture
If existing compression devices are used for emptying containers, then the container emptying function is achieved, but the container compression for production purpose is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a compression device that can serve multiple functions: it can both empty containers by collapsing them and compress containers for production purposes by applying controlled compression forces. The device incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different operational modes, making it a universal tool for both emptying and compression tasks
3Productivity
If containers are compressed without controlled mechanism, then the compression speed increases, but stress whitening and other faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controlled compression mechanism that adjusts the compression force and speed during the process. The device incorporates feedback systems and variable speed drives that allow the compression rate to change throughout the operation, starting faster and then slowing down as the container reaches its compressed state, thereby maintaining high productivity while preventing defects like stress whitening
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
Enables controlled and efficient compression of containers, allowing for their production and stacking while maintaining pressure stability and barrier properties, facilitating easier handling and transportation without causing stress whitening or other faults.
Implementation Method 1
the compression device has a pressurizing means which is suitable for subjecting the containers to an internal pressure which is greater than the ambient pressure while they are being compressed
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for compressing containers (10), and in particular plastic containers, having a first retaining device (2), which is suitable for retaining a first region (10a) of a container (10) which is to be compressed, having a second retaining device (4), which is suitable for retaining a second region (10b) of the container (10) which is to be compressed, the second region (10b) being spaced apart from the first region (10a), and having a movement device (20), which is suitable for moving the first retaining device (2) towards the second retaining device (4) in an advancement direction (Y), in order to compress the container (10) located between the first retaining device (2) and the second retaining device (4). According to the invention, the apparatus has a transporting device (12) in order to transport the container (10) in a predetermined transporting direction (X), which differs from the advancement direction (Y), wherein the transporting device is suitable for transporting the container, in said transporting direction (X), into a position in which the first retaining device (2) comes into contact with the first region (10a) of the container.