Dry Lubrication for Container Twisting Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container twisting devices require large amounts of water for friction control, leading to contamination, health issues, and mechanical wear, which results in damage to containers and labels, and necessitates drying of containers to prevent wetting of subsequent conveyor belts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a series of guiding elements and lubricating means that uses a combination of liquid and gaseous lubricants to control friction during container twisting, ensuring dry lubrication and reducing wear, while preventing blockages and maintaining label integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large amount of water is sprayed for friction control, then blockage is prevented, but water consumption increases and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the lubricant from liquid (water) to dry lubricant in powder or flake form. This parameter change eliminates the need for large amounts of water while maintaining friction control and blockage prevention during container twisting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the hydraulic/water-based friction control system with a dry lubricant system. Instead of spraying water to reduce friction, dry lubricant particles are applied to the contact surfaces between containers and conveyor elements, providing effective friction control without water consumption.
2Reliability
If large amount of water is used for friction control, then blockage is prevented, but health problems and safety accidents occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the lubricant from liquid water to dry lubricant particles, eliminating the harmful effects of excessive water usage such as slip hazards, electrical safety issues, and health problems associated with water exposure in industrial environments.
3Reliability
If containers are wetted during twisting, then friction is controlled, but drying is required to prevent wetting of subsequent conveyor belts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the lubricant state from liquid to dry form, ensuring that containers remain dry throughout the twisting process. This eliminates the need for subsequent drying operations and prevents wetting of downstream conveyor belts and packaging equipment.
4Productivity
If mechanical twisting devices operate at high speed, then productivity increases, but wearing of parts increases causing container damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical friction control with dry lubricant-based friction control. The dry lubricant particles reduce direct contact and mechanical wear between containers and conveyor elements, allowing high-speed operation without the wearing problems that cause container damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lubrication regime from water-based to dry lubricant, which provides better protection against mechanical wear at high speeds. The dry lubricant forms a protective layer that reduces friction and prevents damage to both containers and conveyor parts.
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 device effectively reduces water consumption, minimizes container and label damage, and prevents blockages, ensuring a safe and efficient twisting process with reduced mechanical wear and no wetting of subsequent conveyor belts.
Implementation Method 1
a series of guiding elements provided each with lubricating means adapted for ensuring a dry lubrication of at least a portion of the guiding elements by supplying a fluid lubricant selected from the group consisting of liquid lubricant, gazeous lubricant and mixtures thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for twisting containers (2) while moving said containers along a moving path (3) comprising an at least partly curved path portion (3A) comprising a series of guiding elements provided each with lubricating means adapted for ensuring a dry lubrication of at least a portion of the guiding elements by supplying a fluid lubricant selected from the group consisting of liquid lubricant, gazeous lubricant and mixtures thereof in at least two distinct locations of the said guiding elements.