Dual Clamp Arm Layout for Variable-Shape Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp devices struggle to securely hold containers with varying diameters, shapes, and sizes, particularly those that are non-cylindrical, leading to mis-grips and reduced product quality and process reliability.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with independently pivotable clamp arm pairs that can accommodate different external shapes and dimensions, allowing secure holding of containers with features such as bulging, conical, or tapering sections, by using dual clamp arm pairs that can pivot independently and apply preloading for secure grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single clamp arm devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to hold containers with varying diameters and shapes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is divided into multiple independent clamp arm pairs (first and second pairs), each capable of independent pivoting action. This segmentation allows each clamp arm pair to independently adapt to different sections of the container, enabling the device to handle various container shapes and sizes while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arms are designed with pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the clamp arm pairs during operation. This dynamic capability enables the clamp device to adapt its gripping configuration to match different container geometries, providing versatility without requiring completely different devices for each container type
2Reliability
If multi-fittings are used for non-cylindrical containers, then more container shapes can be held, but mis-grips and operator awareness issues occur reducing product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The independent pivotability of the clamp arm pairs provides inherent feedback mechanisms where each clamp arm can independently respond to the actual container surface it contacts. This allows automatic adjustment to achieve proper grip positioning, reducing mis-grips and eliminating the need for operator awareness and intervention, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device performs self-adjustment through the independent pivoting capability of each clamp arm pair, which automatically adapts to the container shape without requiring operator intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent, accurate gripping across different container types, improving both reliability and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamp devices are changed for different container formats, then all container types can be held properly, but format change time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device incorporates multiple clamp arm pairs with independent pivotability, creating a universal gripping mechanism that can handle various container formats (cylindrical, contoured, different diameters) with the same device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to change clamp devices when switching between different container formats, significantly reducing format change time while maintaining full adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a clamp device for holding a container for a container processing plant. The clamp device has a first clamp arm pair and a second clamp arm pair, which are arranged one above the other for the simultaneous holding of the container and which can be pivoted independently of one another, preferably coaxially. The clamp device enables the container to be held on different external shapes and/or external dimensions of the container.