Cup Sealing Apparatus Adaptive Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup sealing apparatuses face challenges in consistently orienting asymmetric cups during the sealing process, which can lead to misalignment and inefficient sealing, especially when graphic designs on cups require precise orientation of the seal.
Innovation Solution
The cup sealing apparatus incorporates an alignment cone and alignment plate with a non-frustoconical taper and a floating heating element, allowing for adaptive alignment and sealing of cups with varying orientations, ensuring proper alignment and secure sealing regardless of cup shape or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sealing apparatus is used for cups, then the sealing process is simple and fast, but the apparatus cannot accommodate cups with varying orientations or asymmetric shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus employs a movable alignment plate that can shift position and rotate to match the orientation of the cup being sealed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the fixed apparatus to adapt to various cup orientations and asymmetric shapes, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If asymmetric cups with graphic designs are sealed, then the seal orientation can be correctly aligned with the design, but the alignment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment plate is pre-configured with markings and features that guide the operator to quickly align the seal with the cup's graphic design. By having alignment references prepared in advance on the plate, the system achieves high precision alignment without adding significant time to the sealing process.
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 consistent and efficient sealing of cups with asymmetric or irregular shapes by ensuring precise alignment of the seal with the cup lip, preventing spilling and contamination, and accommodating various cup geometries and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
Heat sealing can be performed on variety of cup materials and geometries to apply the seal to the cup lip
Implementation Method 2
The heating element is operable to melt the thermoplastic material
Implementation Method 3
The interface between the alignment plate and the alignment cone is configured to drive rotational realignment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cup sealing apparatus (22) with a shaft (34), a heating element (74), an alignment plate (114), and a spring (30) biasing the alignment plate (114) into engagement with the alignment cone (42). The shaft (34) extends has an alignment cone (42) at an end thereof, the alignment cone (42) having a modified cone taper surface (62) centered about a longitudinal axis (38). The heating element (74) includes a heating surface (78) operable to adhere a seal to a cup (C) presented to the heating surface (78). The alignment plate (114) is spaced from the opposite axial surface (82), and has a profile (118) corresponding with the taper surface so that the profile (118) and the taper surface form a non-circular interface between the alignment cone (42) and the alignment plate (114). With deflection of the spring (30), the alignment plate (42) and the heating element (74) are free to deviate from a prescribed orientation and out of coaxial alignment to match a cup axis (126) of a cup (C) presented to the heating surface (78).