Destacking Screw Lid Supply Control for Can Seamers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can seamer systems require additional retaining devices to halt lid supply during production interruptions, which complicates the design, increases changeover time, and risks damaging lids or contaminating products with metal shavings.
Innovation Solution
A destacking screw with a separate drive and integrated stopping function, allowing it to synchronize and pause lid conveyance independently of downstream transport devices, eliminating the need for additional retaining blades and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional retaining blade is used to stop lid supply during production interruptions, then the lid supply can be halted, but the device complexity increases and changeover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stopping function with the destacking screw by integrating a stopping element directly onto the screw. This merging eliminates the need for separate retaining blades while maintaining the ability to halt lid supply during production interruptions, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The destacking screw is designed to perform multiple functions: it both conveys lids during normal operation and stops lid supply when needed. By making the screw multi-functional through the integrated stopping element, the system eliminates redundant components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full control over lid supply
2Reliability
If a retaining blade is extended to hold back lids during production interruption, then lid supply is stopped, but lids may be damaged or metal shavings may contaminate the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stopping element as an intermediary component that gently engages with the lids to halt their movement without applying excessive force. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct contact between aggressive retaining blades and lids, thereby avoiding lid damage and preventing metal shavings from contaminating the product while still effectively stopping lid supply during interruptions
3Reliability
If additional retaining devices are added to the lid feed system, then lid supply control is improved, but changeover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the stopping function into the destacking screw itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate retainers that would require installation and adjustment during changeovers. This integration streamlines the system, allowing for faster changeovers while maintaining reliable control over lid supply interruptions
4Ease of operation
If the destacking screw is driven synchronously with downstream devices, then coordination is maintained, but the screw cannot independently stop lid supply during interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the destacking screw dynamic by allowing it to operate in two modes: synchronized rotation for normal lid conveyance and stopped position for interrupting supply. The integrated stopping element enables the screw to independently halt lid supply even when downstream devices continue operating, providing both synchronization during normal operation and independent stopping capability during interruptions
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 enhances product quality, stability, and safety by simplifying the design, reducing changeover time, and preventing lid damage during interruptions, while maintaining continuous operation of the filling process.
Implementation Method 1
a destacking screw (10) for conveying lids (21) that are fed in via a lid feed (16) and for transferring the correctly separated lids (21) to a downstream transport and/or treatment device (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying lids to a can seamer includes a destacking screw for conveying lids that are fed in via a lid feed, for transferring the correctly separated lids to a downstream transport and/or treatment device, and for interrupting the supply of the lids to the downstream transport and/or treatment device in the event of an interruption of production. Methods for supplying lids to a can seamer are also provided.