Container Coupling Unit with Minimum Spacing for Reduced Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling processes for containers and components, such as capsule filters, are complex, potentially dangerous, and require direct contact, leading to increased risk of damage to the product due to the need for multiple retaining elements and forced abutting, which complicates reproducibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A coupling method and unit that introduces a predetermined minimum spacing between the component and container, using a gripping device and coupling element to retain and move the component safely, allowing for reproducible and stable coupling without direct contact, utilizing a frame with a gripping device and coupling element that maintains a safe distance during the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct contact and forced abutting are used to couple component and container, then coupling strength is improved, but risk of product damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component between the component and container. This coupling element features a gripping portion that contacts the component and a coupling portion that contacts the container, allowing force transmission without direct contact between the component and container. The intermediary structure distributes mechanical stresses and prevents harmful direct contact while maintaining coupling strength.
2Reliability
If multiple retaining elements are used to secure component and container, then coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining function into a single integrated coupling element rather than using multiple separate retaining elements. The coupling element combines gripping features for the component and coupling features for the container into one unified structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable retention through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a retaining element for the component, a coupling element for the container, and a force transmission medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retaining elements and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining coupling reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If component and container are positioned with precise reference points, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element features self-aligning geometric features including a gripping portion with specific shape and a coupling portion with complementary form. These self-service features automatically guide the component and container into the correct relative positions during assembly, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms and manual reference point alignment, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling method for coupling a component of a container to the container is presented. The method includes: arranging a coupling unit including a coupling assembly with a frame, a gripping device for the component, a coupling device for constraining the component to the container; arranging the container and the component at least partially within the container, providing at least a minimum spacing between a bottom of the component and a base of the container; moving and activating the gripping device at a removal position of the component; and activating the coupling element to produce a stable coupling between the couplable portion of the component and the container, deactivating and moving the coupling element.