Container Opening Restriction With Linked Holding Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport apparatuses for containers with side openings require independent drive mechanisms for holding and restricting devices, leading to complexity and limited miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus with a holding device and a restricting device, where the restricting device includes movable closing members that align with the holding members' movements, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive mechanism for the closing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent drive mechanisms are provided for both the holding device and the restricting device, then each device can operate independently and reliably, but the apparatus becomes more complex and larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanisms of the holding device and restricting device into a single integrated system. The drive unit simultaneously controls both the holding members (for gripping the container) and the closing members (for covering the opening), eliminating the need for separate independent drive mechanisms while maintaining coordinated operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent drive mechanisms are provided for both the holding device and the restricting device, then each device can be controlled separately, but the apparatus requires more space and cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact drive unit that controls both holding and restricting operations, significantly reducing the overall apparatus volume and enabling miniaturization while preserving independent control capability through coordinated actuation
3Ease of operation
If a dedicated drive mechanism is provided for the closing member, then the restricting device can operate independently, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the closing member with the holding device's drive mechanism. The same drive unit that actuates the holding members also controls the closing members, reducing structural complexity while maintaining operational independence through coordinated control logic
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport apparatus 1 for transporting a container 8 having an opening 86 includes: a holding device 30 configured to hold a container 8; and a restricting device 60 configured to restrict a target object 9 from exiting the container 8 through the opening 86 while the container 8 is held by the holding device 30. The restricting device 60 includes at least one closing member 61 configured to move to a closed position in which the closing member 61 overlaps the opening 86 and an open position in which the closing member 61 does not overlap the opening 86. The closing member 61 is configured to move in conjunction with a movement of the holding members 32 included in the holding device 30.