Automated Container Sealing with Flame Polishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for sealing containers, such as bottles and flasks, are time-consuming and costly due to manual handling and inconsistent wax application, leading to varying aesthetic appearances and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that uses a conveyor-based process with automated stations for applying and polishing a sealing material, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple containers, ensuring uniform application and polishing through controlled air flows, which reduces handling time and costs while maintaining aesthetic consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual polishing operations are performed on wax-sealed bottles, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but execution time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearance qualityVSAvoidexecution time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical polishing operations with an automated flame treatment system. A burner device applies controlled flames to the wax surface, using thermal energy instead of manual mechanical action to achieve uniform polishing. This substitution dramatically reduces execution time while maintaining consistent aesthetic quality across all bottles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and temperature parameters of the wax surface through controlled flame exposure. By adjusting flame intensity, duration, and movement speed, the system optimizes the heating parameters to achieve uniform melting and polishing of the wax layer, resolving the contradiction between quality and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual handling is used for wax application and polishing, then flexibility is maintained, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automated conveyors and robotic positioning mechanisms that self-regulate bottle movement through the wax application and flame polishing stations. The automated flame burner moves along a predetermined path, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining consistent processing quality, thereby reducing labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If bottles are processed one at a time through wax application and polishing, then quality control is easier, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing quality consistencyVSAvoidproduction volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sealing process into distinct automated segments: wax application station, cooling section, and flame polishing station. Bottles move sequentially through each segment on an automated conveyor system, allowing continuous high-volume processing while maintaining quality control through standardized automated operations at each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous automated processing where bottles are constantly moved through the sealing and polishing operations without interruption. The automated flame burner operates continuously as bottles pass by, eliminating idle time between operations and maximizing productivity while maintaining consistent quality through uninterrupted automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

The system optimizes processing time and reduces costs by enabling simultaneous sealing and polishing of multiple containers, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the sealing process, thereby improving production efficiency and aesthetic quality.

Implementation Method 1

immersing the neck in a cooling tank containing cold water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

subjecting the layer of sealing material to a hot air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11104564B2System and method for sealing containers, bottles, flasks and the like

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 EMMETI

AI summary

A system for sealing containers includes a first conveyor of containers to convey containers from an inlet zone to a sealing zone. A first processing station of containers applies a layer of sealing material to at least one end portion of each container. A second processing station polishes the layer of sealing material applied by the first processing station. A first moving unit of containers moves containers from the first conveyor to the first processing station and moves containers with a layer of sealing material from the first processing station to the second processing station. A second conveyor conveys containers from the sealing zone to an outlet zone. A second moving unit moves containers with a layer of sealing material from the second processing station to the second conveyor.