Container Transport Star with Spindle-Based Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport devices with height adjustment for adapting to different container types and sizes have complex designs, leading to high manufacturing costs, susceptibility to errors, and difficulty in maintenance and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A device with a non-rotating, stationary base and a rotary unit featuring two support elements rotating about a vertical axis, utilizing a central drive and spindle drives with gear rings for height adjustment, allowing easy adaptation to various container sizes and types, with a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustment mechanisms are added to adapt to different container types and sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are made height-adjustable through spindle drives that allow dynamic repositioning. The rotary unit can rotate in both directions, and the support elements can be moved between different height positions to accommodate various container types and sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the support elements by using spindle drives with gears that engage with gear rings. By rotating the rotary unit in different directions, the support elements can be positioned at different heights, allowing the same device to handle containers of different dimensions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex height adjustment mechanisms are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary unit serves multiple functions: it rotates the support elements to transport containers, it adjusts the height of the support elements through bidirectional rotation, and it positions the grippers for container handling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the transport function and height adjustment function into a single rotary unit. The same rotational motion that transports the containers also drives the height adjustment through the spindle drives and gear mechanisms, merging multiple functions into one integrated system to reduce overall complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex height adjustment mechanisms are used, then adaptability is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components: spindle drives, gears, and gear rings. Each component can be independently accessed and maintained. The support elements can be adjusted and reset to initial positions, allowing for easy recalibration and maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-positioning features where the support elements can be returned to their initial positions through controlled rotation. The gear mechanisms automatically engage and disengage during operation, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying maintenance routines.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex height adjustment mechanisms are used, then adaptability is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary unit operates continuously in both directions without requiring stopping for height adjustments. The bidirectional rotation allows the support elements to be repositioned smoothly during operation, maintaining continuous productive action while adapting to different container types, thereby reducing downtime and operating costs.
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, cost-effective, and easy maintenance with simple cleaning, supporting a wide range of container sizes and types without complex conversions, using spindle drives for precise height adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
Each spindle drive (5) comprises a threaded spindle (6) and a spindle nut (7), between the support elements (3, 4) for adjusting the height of one support element (3, 4) relative to the other support element (3, 4). A gear (8) is arranged on each threaded spindle (6) and simultaneously engages one or two gear rings (9, 10) arranged radially inside and outside the gear (8) with respect to the axis (2).
Implementation Method 2
Each spindle drive (5) comprises a threaded spindle (6) and a spindle nut (7), between the support elements (3, 4) for adjusting the height of one support element (3, 4) relative to the other support element (3, 4).
Implementation Method 3
a rotary unit (14) rotatable about a vertical axis (2), having two support elements (3, 4) arranged one above the other and rotating about said axis (2), each to form a transport star and/or a base plate
Implementation Method 4
one or both gear rings (9, 10) are arranged rotatably relative to the support elements (3, 4) and can be individually held by means of a holding device (17) fixed to the device base (15), so that no rotation occurs with the support elements (3, 4) and the gear (8) can roll on the held gear ring (9, 10) to achieve a height adjustment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for rotative transport of containers, comprising a non-rotating, stationary apparatus base (15) and a rotating unit (14) that is rotatable about a vertical axis (2) and comprises two carrier elements (3, 4) of a transport star and/or a base plate, respectively, which are arranged one on top of the other and rotate about said axis (2). At least one carrier element (3, 4) is designed to contact and/or grip the containers. According to the invention, a plurality of spindle drives (5), each having a threaded spindle (6) and a spindle nut (7) for height adjustment of one carrier element (3, 4) relative to the other carrier element (3, 4), are arranged between the carrier elements (3, 4), wherein each threaded spindle (6) has a gear wheel (8) on one end, which is simultaneously in engagement with one or two sprockets (9, 10) arranged radially inside and/or outside on the gear wheel (8) in relation to the axis (2), wherein the sprocket(s) (9, 10) is/are rotatable relative to the carrier elements (3, 4) and can each be held individually by means of a holding apparatus (17) fixed to the apparatus base (15), such that no rotation occurs together with the carrier elements (3, 4) and the gear wheel (8) rolls on the rotationless sprocket (9, 10).