Curved Transport Path for Collapsible Container Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines for collapsible containers are complex and have limited filling capacity due to the need for intricate mechanisms to handle and transport containers efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transport unit that moves containers along a curved path, utilizing a transfer means cyclically movable along an endless circular path to efficiently transport and position containers at stations such as filling, opening, and sealing stations, minimizing the distance moved and allowing for simple station design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If containers are transported in a straight line from feeding position to station, then the transport path is simple, but the container cannot be properly docked with the station and requires complex station design to accommodate container orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit moves containers along a curved path instead of a straight line, enabling the container to be properly oriented and docked with the station upon arrival. This curved trajectory resolves the contradiction by accepting the curved path shape in exchange for simplified station design.
2Productivity
If a complex link mechanism is used to transport containers between stations, then container handling is reliable, but the device complexity increases and filling capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit is cyclically movable along an endless circular path, dynamically transitioning between pick-up position and delivery position. This dynamic mechanism replaces complex link mechanisms while maintaining reliable container handling and increasing filling capacity through continuous cyclic motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport unit serves multiple functions: it transports containers from feeding position to stations, moves containers between stations, and provides cyclic motion for picking up and delivering containers. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable handling.
3Productivity
If containers are moved a long distance from feeding position to station, then all containers can be processed, but the transport time increases and filling capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By using a curved path that directly connects the feeding position to the station via a cyclic motion, the transport distance is minimized while ensuring proper container docking. This reduces transport time and increases filling capacity compared to longer linear paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for handling containers (2) of a collapsible type, comprising one or more stations (S) and a transport unit (4). The device is arranged to receive said containers (2) oriented in a first direction (P1) and the transport unit (4) is arranged to transport said containers (2) to at least one of said stations (S) by moving the containers (2) in a second direction (P2) along a curved path (6), said second direction (P2) being perpendicular to said first direction (P1). The device has a holding means provided for said at least one station (S) and located in a stationary position adjacent to the station (S) and a transfer means (18), which is provided for said at least one station (S) and carried by the transport unit (4) and which is cyclically movable along an endless path between a pick-up position (A) and a delivery position (B) located adjacent to the station (S). The transfer means (18) is arranged to pick up at least one container (2) in the pick-up position (A) and transfer said at least one container (2), in the delivery position (B), to the holding means. The invention also concerns a method for handling containers of a collapsible type in a filling machine.