Dynamic Centring Device for Simultaneous Bottle Orientation Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle-packing machines require separate centring devices for upright and overturned bottles, necessitating two distinct stations and increasing packing time, as the fixed shape and size of openings in traditional centring devices cannot accommodate both orientations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A centring device with a cellular structure and regulating means that allows the size and shape of openings to adjust progressively, enabling simultaneous passage of upright and overturned bottles by varying the openings' size and configuration to match the changing sections of the bottles as they are placed, using a cam mechanism and elastic means to control the movement of longitudinal walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed-structure centring device is used, then the device structure is simple and costs are low, but separate devices are needed for upright and overturned bottles, increasing packing time
Solution Approach 1:
The centring device employs movable longitudinal walls that can shift position dynamically during the bottle packing cycle. The walls are guided by cam mechanisms that translate rotational motion into linear displacement, allowing the opening size and shape to change continuously. This dynamic adjustment enables a single device to accommodate both upright and overturned bottles without requiring separate stations, thereby reducing packing time while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the centring device openings in real-time during operation. By varying the position of longitudinal walls, the opening transitions from configurations suitable for upright bottles to configurations suitable for overturned bottles. This parameter change is achieved through cam mechanisms that control wall displacement, allowing the same physical structure to adapt its effective geometry for different bottle orientations, thus eliminating the need for multiple fixed-structure devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate centring devices are used for upright and overturned bottles, then each device can be optimised for its specific function, but the apparatus complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centring device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can handle both upright and overturned bottles within a single station. The universality is achieved through movable longitudinal walls that can adjust the opening configuration to match different bottle orientations. The cam mechanisms enable the same physical structure to perform multiple functions by changing its geometry dynamically, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each bottle orientation and reducing overall apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves versatility through dynamic adaptation rather than static multiplicity. The longitudinal walls are equipped with cam-follower mechanisms that allow the opening shape to transform continuously during the packing cycle. This dynamic capability enables a single device to provide the adaptability previously requiring two separate devices, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to accommodate different bottle orientations effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the opening size is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate both upright and overturned bottles simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The opening size is made dynamic through movable longitudinal walls that can change position during operation. The walls are connected to cam mechanisms that convert rotational motion into controlled linear displacement, allowing the opening to expand or contract as needed. This dynamic size adjustment enables the same opening to accommodate both upright bottles (requiring smaller openings) and overturned bottles (requiring larger openings) without compromising structural simplicity, as the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing device framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements parameter changes by varying the opening dimensions in real-time based on the bottle orientation being packed. The longitudinal walls are positioned at different locations during different phases of the packing cycle, changing the effective opening size and shape. This parameter variation is controlled by cam mechanisms that provide precise, repeatable positioning, allowing the device to adapt its geometric parameters to match the requirements of different bottle configurations without requiring complex external adjustment systems.
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 allows for the contemporaneous packing of upright and overturned bottles in a single operation, significantly reducing packing time without substantial increases in apparatus costs, enabling efficient packing of a carton with bottles like sparkling wine or champagne.
Implementation Method 1
At least one longitudinal wall (4, 5) is mobile relative to the other longitudinal walls (9, 10) and is subjected to a cam mechanism (6) which transforms a rotation movement into a linear movement of said at least one longitudinal wall (4, 5).
Implementation Method 2
the at least one longitudinal wall (4, 5) is subjected to at least one elastic means (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The centring device for bottle-packing, comprising: a cellular structure (2) which defines a plurality of openings (21, 22, 23) predisposed for enabling passage of bottles (51, 52); regulating means (3), predisposed to determine a change in size and/or conformation of the openings (21, 22, 23) during passage of the bottles (51, 52), such that each opening (21, 22, 23) enables progressive passage of consecutive sections of a bottle (51, 52).