Container Orientation Device with Dual Drive Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container orientation devices, particularly those with articulated arms, are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to adapt to different container formats due to their complexity and size, which limits their efficiency and compactness in high-speed container handling.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a gripper with two jaws and two drive rollers that rotate simultaneously, guided by a rotating member with an eccentric crankpin and a cam system, allowing for precise angular adjustment and orientation of containers without the need for extensive reconfiguration, using guide rollers for frictionless rotation and elastic return mechanisms for efficient pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulated arms with gripping means are used to rotate containers, then container orientation can be changed, but the device becomes bulky and complex with many moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotation function from complex articulated arms and implements it through a simple cam mechanism that directly actuates the container holder, eliminating unnecessary moving parts while maintaining the orientation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical articulated arm system with a cam-based mechanical substitution that achieves the same rotational effect through a simpler mechanism with fewer components
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated arms with sufficient spacing are used, then container rotation is achieved, but the transfer wheel compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the arms to achieve rotation, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the entire container holder assembly using a cam mechanism, allowing compact arm arrangement while maintaining rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotation function into the container holder assembly itself rather than using separate articulated arms, combining multiple functions into a single compact unit
3Adaptability or versatility
If heavy articulated arms are used, then container gripping is achieved, but the container movement rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gripping function from heavy articulated arms and implements it through a lightweight container holder with integrated gripping means, eliminating the weight limitation while maintaining gripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mass parameter of the gripping mechanism by replacing heavy articulated arms with a lightweight holder assembly, enabling faster movement while maintaining container gripping capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If cams are modified for different container sizes, then adaptation to different formats is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal cam mechanism that can accommodate different container formats through adjustable holder positioning and elastic gripping means, eliminating the need for custom cam modifications for each container size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the holder-cam system, allowing the same cam to work with different container formats through movable positioning mechanisms rather than requiring static custom-designed cams
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
This solution enables reliable, stable, and efficient container orientation with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for faster handling and easier adaptation to various container formats, enhancing the compactness and speed of container processing.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive roller for rotating the container gripped by the clamp by rolling said drive roller against the gripping section
Implementation Method 2
The rotating element is equipped with elastic return means that constrain the crankpin against the cam
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for directing a container (12) about the axis (A) thereof, the device (10) including a clamp (32) for gripping the movable container (12), the clamp (32) including: two jaws (40A, 40B) capable of occupying a first position for clamping the container, and a position for releasing the container (12); a first roller (46) for rotating the container gripped by the clamp (32) by rolling said drive roller (46) against a section (24) for gripping the container; and a controlled member (48) for rotating the first drive roller (46); characterised in that the clamp (32) includes a second roller (46) for rotating the container (12) gripped by the clamp (32) by rolling the second roller (46) against the gripping section (24).