Dual Turret Liner Machine Layout for Longer Sealant Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liner machines for applying sealing compounds to can ends face issues such as frequent downtime due to clogged injector nozzles and maintenance challenges posed by large, bulky machines with inaccessible components.
Innovation Solution
The described technology features a synchronized dual turret liner machine system with opposing turrets and starwheels, allowing for independent operation of each turret system. This design includes customized components with specific threads for each direction of rotation, and the downstackers are positioned at ±45° from the turret axis to increase lining time. Additionally, the system incorporates elongated lift cams to enhance sealant application time and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical brush mechanism is used to clean the injector nozzle, then cleaning action is provided, but the nozzle becomes gummed up and requires frequent replacement causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical brush mechanism entirely and replaces it with an air blow mechanism. The air blow mechanism uses compressed air to blow sealing compound off the injector nozzle, eliminating the mechanical contact that caused gumming up. This extraction of the problematic mechanical component resolves the contradiction by providing effective cleaning without the reliability issues of brush mechanism failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes a mechanical cleaning system (brush mechanism) with a pneumatic system (air blow mechanism). The air blow mechanism uses flowing air to remove sealing compound from the injector nozzle, replacing the mechanical brushing action with a non-contact pneumatic process. This substitution eliminates wear and gumming issues while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If the machine is designed as a large bulky system with equipment positioned in the middle of the platform, then all components are housed together, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the machine into separate functional modules: the injector nozzle assembly is positioned separately from the main platform, and the air blow mechanism is integrated into the nozzle assembly rather than being part of the central equipment group. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service the injector nozzle and air blow mechanism independently without disassembling the entire machine, resolving the contradiction between integration and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the injector nozzle assembly in a different spatial dimension relative to the main platform - specifically, the nozzle assembly is positioned to extend outward from the platform rather than being mounted in the middle. This dimensional repositioning creates clear access paths for maintenance while maintaining functional integration, allowing workers to reach components from multiple angles without navigating around centralized equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the can end rotates at high speed through the applicator, then accurate even sealant application is achieved, but the lining time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the lining time by maintaining the sealant application process throughout the entire semi-circular path of the can end rotation. The applicator continues to deposit sealant as the can end rotates, ensuring continuous coverage rather than intermittent application. This continuous useful action increases the duration of sealing material application while maintaining uniform distribution, resolving the contradiction between speed and lining time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the applicator to begin sealant application before the can end reaches the vertical position and continues through the semi-circular path. The sealant is applied in advance as the can end rotates into position, ensuring that the sealing surface is fully prepared before the can end completes its rotation and engages with the sealing compound. This preliminary action extends the effective lining time while maintaining application precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A liner machine for applying a sealing compound to a can end or lid. The liner machine includes a motor drive dual turret system. The turret system is installed at the top of a table or platform surface and two turrets rotate in opposition directions from one another, simultaneously or independently at same or different times. Each turret includes a plurality of workstations which extend out from each turret facing away from each other. The workstations receive an individual lid, which is delivered via a starwheel from a downstacker to each turret system. Each rotates in a direction that is opposite the direction that its respective turret system rotates, and in a direction that is opposite the direction that the other starwheel rotates. Sealant injectors in the turret systems apply sealant to each lid as the lids rotate around each turret system.