Ejector Finger Metal Insert Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cap-ejector fingers in cap-sorting modules suffer from wear due to abrasion, particularly when handling metal caps, leading to reduced service life and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metal insert with a reinforced front surface at the distal end of the ejector finger, made of stainless steel, to enhance abrasion resistance while maintaining elasticity, which is overmolded with a composite plastic material for improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejector finger body is made from a composite plastic material to provide elasticity and prevent damage during jamming, then the finger can deform and break safely, but the front zone suffers from abrasion when handling metal caps, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector finger combines two materials with different properties: a composite plastic body providing elasticity and damage prevention, and a metal insert at the front zone providing abrasion resistance. Each material is placed where its specific properties are most needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector finger uses a composite construction with a plastic body and metal insert, combining the advantages of both materials. The plastic provides elasticity for safe jamming, while the metal insert provides durability against abrasion from metal caps, simultaneously improving both reliability and service life.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ejector finger body is made from a composite plastic material to provide elasticity, then the finger can deform during operation, but this elasticity reduces the abrasion resistance at the front contact zone
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector finger applies different material properties to different zones: the plastic body maintains elasticity for safe deformation during jamming, while the metal insert at the front zone provides abrasion resistance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines plastic and metal materials, where the plastic provides elasticity and the metal insert provides abrasion resistance. This allows the finger to simultaneously deform safely during operation while resisting wear at the contact zone.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a metal insert is added to the distal end of the ejector finger to increase abrasion resistance, then the service life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector finger is divided into two functional segments: a plastic body for elasticity and a metal insert for abrasion resistance. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction with metal insert in the distal end provides targeted abrasion resistance where it is most needed, extending service life without requiring a complete redesign of the entire ejector finger structure. The insert can be integrated into existing mold designs.
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 solution significantly increases the service life of the ejector fingers by reducing abrasion and preventing damage during cap ejection, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing risks of malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
said insert comprising a core extending at least in part inside said distal end
Implementation Method 2
the finger being an attached part fixed onto the belt, it is easier, faster and above all less costly to replace it, rather than other components of the device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an ejector finger for ejecting closure elements, comprising a body provided with a base and, on the opposite side, a distal end comprising a front zone for coming into contact with the closure elements to be ejected, and the at least one distal end comprises an insert provided with at least one surface dimensioned so as to at least partially cover the front zone. The invention also concerns a device for supplying sorted closure elements, with ejector means comprising at least one such finger. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing the ejector finger by molding.