Elastic Bracket Holding Device for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for containers in beverage bottling plants are complex, costly, and unsuitable for fragile or thin-walled containers due to high force requirements and potential surface scratching, with complex actuator systems increasing manufacturing and operating costs and complicating hygiene maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with pivotably connected gripping arms and a prestressed elastic strap that automatically switches between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and actuator units, allowing for gentle container handling and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active control systems with actuators are used to control gripping arms, then the gripping force and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic bracket serves itself by automatically switching between stable positions to open and close the gripping arms without external actuators. The system uses the container's own insertion motion to trigger the bracket's position change, making the container act as its own actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bracket is designed to be dynamically switchable between two stable positions rather than being statically fixed. This dynamic capability allows the gripping arms to transition between open and closed states without complex mechanical actuators.
2Reliability
If rigid gripping arms with high closing force are used, then the holding reliability is improved, but the container surface quality deteriorates due to scratching and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping force parameter is dynamically changed based on the bracket's position. When the bracket is in the first stable position, the gripping arms are open with zero force. When switched to the second position, the gripping arms close with controlled force sufficient for holding but reduced compared to permanently closed rigid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bracket is pre-tensioned to automatically hold the gripping arms in the open position before container insertion. This preliminary action prevents accidental closing and allows gentle container placement without resistance from pre-closed arms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple control elements and actuators are used to control gripping arm positions, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates due to complex contacts and crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control elements, actuators, and their associated connection areas are completely removed from the system. The elastic bracket's passive mechanical switching replaces active control systems, eliminating crevices and contact points that would accumulate contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of multiple separate components (actuators, control elements, locking mechanisms) are merged into a single elastic bracket that performs all positioning and holding functions through its two stable positions, simplifying the overall structure for easier cleaning.
4Stability of the object's composition
If locking devices are added to hold gripping arms in open and closed positions, then the position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic bracket self-locks in its two stable positions through its inherent elastic properties and pre-tensioning, eliminating the need for separate locking devices. The bracket's geometry and material properties provide automatic position stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active actuators to move and lock the gripping arms, the system uses the passive elastic recovery force of the pre-tensioned bracket to automatically return and lock the arms in their stable positions, inverting the conventional active-control approach.
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 is constructed simply and inexpensively, reduces force required for container handling, and enhances hygiene by eliminating complex contacts and difficult-to-clean areas, making it suitable for applications with high hygiene requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-tensioned elastic bracket (4) is arranged between the gripping arms (3), and the elastic bracket (4) can be moved into a first position, in which the gripping arms (3) are in the open position (1), and into a second position, in which the gripping arms (3) are in the closed position (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding device (1) for holding a container (6), preferably for holding a container (6) in a transport device of a beverage filling system, comprising a fastening part (2) and two gripping arms (3), which are pivotably connected to the fastening part (2) and can be brought into a closed position in order to hold the container (6) and can be brought into an open position in order to insert and remove the container (6), wherein a preloaded elastic bow (4) is arranged between the gripping arms (3) and the elastic bow (4) can be brought into a first position, which the gripping arms (3) are in the open position, and into a second position, in which the gripping arms (3) are in the closed position, wherein the preload of the elastic bow (4) in the first position holds the gripping arms (3) in the open position and the preload of the elastic bow (4) in the second position holds the gripping arms (3) in the closed position.