Adaptable Container Gripping Unit for Universal Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveying devices for containers are typically designed for specific types and contexts, limiting their adaptability to different container types and sizes, and are not easily transferable between processing devices.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device with independently movable gripping units, each comprising a first and second retaining element with operating portions that can switch between an operating and home configuration, allowing for adaptable container handling and transfer between feeding and pick-up devices, with a fixed supporting unit enabling movement along a trajectory that can accommodate various container sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conveying devices are designed for specific container types with specialized gripping units, then the gripping units can effectively retain and convey those specific containers, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to other container types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping unit is designed with a universal retaining element that can adapt to different container types (bottles, tins, vials) through a single standardized interface. The retaining element engages with the container opening regardless of shape or material, allowing one gripping unit design to serve multiple container types without requiring specialized grippers for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying device is divided into modular components: a standardized fixed supporting unit, interchangeable retaining elements, and independent gripping units. This segmentation allows the retaining element to be optimized for container retention while the overall system maintains versatility through modular configuration and interchangeable components.
2Ease of manufacture
If conveying devices are designed for specific container types, then the gripping units can be optimized for those containers, but the device complexity increases and ease of transfer between processing devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized interface design allows the same gripping unit and retaining element to be used across different processing devices and container types. The universal retaining element engages with various container openings through a consistent mechanical interface, eliminating the need for device-specific optimizations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through spring-loaded or adjustable arms that can adapt to different container diameters and shapes. This dynamic adjustment allows a single retaining element design to maintain effective retention across varied container types without requiring multiple specialized designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized gripping units are used for specific container types, then container handling precision is improved, but the adaptability to containers of any type and size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element applies localized retention force at the container opening through strategically positioned contact points. This localized engagement ensures precise handling of the container rim regardless of overall container size or shape, maintaining handling precision across different container types through focused local interaction rather than requiring global customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element design incorporates adjustable parameters such as arm tension, contact point position, and engagement depth that can be modified to accommodate different container sizes and types. By changing these parameters rather than the fundamental design, the system maintains precise handling across a wide range of containers.
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 adaptable container handling and transfer across different processing devices, accommodating containers of any type and size, enhancing flexibility and operational efficiency in processing plants.
Implementation Method 1
conveying devices have been developed which use linear motors for moving gripping units along a movement path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A plant for processing containers (2), comprising a feeding device, a pick-up device (3) and a conveying device (1) interposed between the two, and comprising a gripping unit (7) which comprises a first retaining element (8) and a second retaining element (10) which are slidably coupled to a fixed supporting unit (5), move along it by means of respective linear motor actuators, and which between them define a housing (12) for a container (2), wherein respectively the containers feeding device and/or the containers pick-up device (3) comprise a supporting plate (16) couplable at the bottom to the gripping unit (7), respectively, in a starting station and/or in an arrival station (4), and equipped with one or more raised or raisable portions which are inserted into the housing (12) from below in order to support the container (2) independently of the gripping unit (7).