Container Feed Format Part Arrangement for Safe Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In container treatment machines, particularly cleaning machines, the transition from mass transport to individual lane transport often results in jamming and disruptions due to wide transport lanes that are not adaptable to smaller container diameters, and the complex and hazardous process of replacing format parts for adjusting lane widths.
Innovation Solution
A format part arrangement with a sheet-like connecting piece and a U-shaped profile body format part, held resiliently by a spring force and engagement mechanism, allows for quick and safe detachment and replacement, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying the adaptation of lane widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between container guides is increased to accommodate larger container diameters, then larger containers can be transported safely, but smaller containers are no longer adequately guided and may fall over
Solution Approach 1:
The container guide is divided into a fixed base structure and interchangeable format parts that can be attached or removed. The format parts are segmented by container diameter size, allowing the guide width to be adjusted in discrete steps to match different container formats while maintaining stable guidance for each size category
Solution Approach 2:
The guide width is made dynamically adjustable through the interchangeable format parts system. Operators can change the configuration of format parts on the container guides to adapt to different container diameters, transforming a static guide structure into a dynamic one that can be reconfigured for various container sizes while ensuring reliable guidance for each format
2Strength
If format parts are securely fastened to container guides using traditional methods, then format parts remain firmly attached during operation, but replacement requires complex disassembly and poses safety risks to operators
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into separate functional elements: a fastening element on the format part and a corresponding receptacle on the container guide. This segmentation allows the format part to be securely attached during operation while enabling simple one-handed detachment by releasing the fastening mechanism without requiring complex disassembly tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed to be automatically engaged during format part installation and can be easily released by the operator without additional tools. The system serves itself by maintaining secure attachment through the fastening element's automatic engagement mechanism while allowing simple operator-initiated release, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures and improving safety by keeping hands clear of hazardous areas
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 efficient and safe adjustment of transport lane widths, reducing production disruptions and operator risk by allowing easy and secure replacement of format parts without reaching into hazardous areas.
Implementation Method 1
the format part is held resiliently on the connecting piece, wherein the format part has a resilient support element for resting on an upper edge section of the connecting piece
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a container feed (1) for a container treatment machine comprising a container supply (2) having multiple parallel transport paths (3), container guides (4) arranged between the transport paths (3), and at least one format part assembly (5) connected to at least one of the container guides (4). The format part assembly (5) has a sheet-metal-type connection piece (6) and a format part (7) cooperating with the connection piece. The format part (7) is designed in the form of a profile body with a U-shaped cross-section and has a first and second wall section (8, 9), as well as a bridge section (10) connecting the wall sections (8, 9), and it is detachably attached to the connection piece (6), wherein the format part (7) has a flexible contact element (11) for placing on an upper edge section (14) of the connection piece (6) and an engaging element (12) of the format part (7) engages in an engaging section (13) arranged in the region of the upper edge section (14) of the connection part (6).