Cork Granule Batching Machine Adjustable Height Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cork granule batching machines face issues with slide seizure due to dimensional tolerance, requiring frequent machine stops for cleaning and complicating the adjustment of cradle load volume, leading to inefficiencies in producing agglomerated stoppers.
Innovation Solution
A cork granules batching machine with adjustable cradle load volume through varying the height of the load volume using removable plates, allowing for precise adjustment of granule density without significant lateral tolerances, thereby preventing granule penetration and reducing machine downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metal plates are inserted between the side walls of the box-shaped casing and the cradles to adjust the cradle width, then the load volume of cradles can be adjusted, but dimensional tolerance requirements are quite considerable which leads to granule penetration and slide seizure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the adjustment dimension from lateral (width) to vertical (height). Instead of inserting plates between the side walls to adjust cradle width, the invention introduces adjustable height stops that vertically position the cradles within the box-shaped casing. This dimensional shift eliminates the need for tight lateral tolerances, preventing granule penetration and slide seizure while maintaining load volume adjustability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the width of cradles is varied by inserting metal plates to adjust granule batch density, then the amount of granules can be varied, but the adjustment system requires considerable dimensional tolerance leading to frequent machine stops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from lateral adjustment (affecting width) to vertical adjustment (affecting height). The adjustable height stops allow precise control of cradle positioning in the vertical direction, which directly controls the load volume and granule batch density without requiring tight lateral tolerances. This eliminates the root cause of slide seizure and reduces machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the adjustment parameter from cradle width to cradle height position. By varying the vertical position of cradles through adjustable height stops, the load volume is precisely controlled. This parameter change achieves the desired granule batch density control without the harmful side effects of lateral adjustment, such as granule penetration and slide seizure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the volume of cradles is adjusted by inserting plates between side walls, then the predetermined load volume can be varied, but this complicates the adjustment system and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention simplifies the adjustment system by moving from complex lateral adjustment (inserting plates between side walls) to simpler vertical adjustment (adjustable height stops). The vertical adjustment mechanism requires fewer components and less precise assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability for load volume adjustment.
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 machine reduces the frequency of machine stops caused by slide seizure and simplifies the adjustment of cradle load volume, ensuring consistent production with minimized granule loss and optimized operation.
Implementation Method 1
cork granules which drop through gravity from a loading hopper located above the box-shaped casing
Implementation Method 2
the vertical size of the volume of the cradles can be varied from a predetermined load volume of granules to a given granule compacting volume defined with the cradles when they reach the upper end of stroke of the vertical translation, thus forming the correct amount and density of the batch
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Cork granules Batching machine for manufacturing agglomerated stoppers, comprising a plurality of cradles (16) for containing cork granules (17) to be compacted in order to obtain the batch to be used in the manufacturing of stoppers. Adjustment means (23) are associated with cradles (16) to regulate the predetermined load volume for the cradles (16) and adjust the amount of granules present in each batch formed by the machine. Said adjustment means (23) comprise means for varying the height of the load volume.