Stationary Elastic Rotary Elements for Non-Circular Container Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alignment devices for containers transported using neck handling are unsuitable for high-speed alignment without risking damage, as they require complex designs and are not effective for non-round containers.
Innovation Solution
A device with stationary elastic rotary elements that align containers through their own translational movement and torque, reducing misalignment risks, and featuring adjustable spring elements and friction surfaces to apply torque for precise alignment, with optional stabilization and control units for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If friction elements are used to align containers by pushing and rotating them on a conveyor belt, then alignment can be achieved, but the device becomes unsuitable for neck handling transport and high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based alignment system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic elements are embedded in the conveyor belt and interact with magnetically susceptible materials on the container closures, enabling alignment through magnetic torque rather than mechanical friction. This substitution allows the system to work with neck-handled containers at high speeds without requiring physical contact or inclined positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment devices with movable mold plates are used for neck handling, then alignment can be achieved, but the device becomes expensive and cannot handle high transport speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system operates passively by utilizing the containers' own motion through the conveyor to generate the necessary magnetic interaction. The magnetic elements on the conveyor belt automatically engage with the magnetically susceptible closure materials as containers pass over them, creating torque that aligns the containers without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. This self-aligning mechanism enables high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically responsive magnetic elements that can adjust their position or magnetic field strength based on container characteristics. The magnetic susceptibility of closure materials varies by container type, and the system adapts to these variations automatically, maintaining effective alignment across different container styles and speeds without mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If containers are aligned using traditional friction elements requiring inclined position, then alignment can be achieved, but the risk of misalignment and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based alignment system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic elements are embedded in the conveyor belt and interact with magnetically susceptible materials on the container closures, enabling alignment through magnetic torque rather than mechanical friction. This substitution allows the system to work with neck-handled containers at high speeds without requiring physical contact or inclined positioning.
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
Enables efficient and damage-free alignment of non-round containers at high speeds with reduced waste and minimal design complexity, ensuring accurate orientation and stabilization throughout the transport process.
Implementation Method 1
the containers are only aligned due to their own translatory movement and the torque caused by the rotary elements on these containers
Implementation Method 2
stationary elastic rotary elements... elastic means that the rotating elements, which are deflected by a passing container, only return to their starting position by a restoring force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a corresponding method for orienting containers (203) having a noncircular cross-section, in particular bottles, which are transported along a transport path (102) by means of neck handling, said device comprising at least one rotating device (211, 212) arranged along the transport path, characterised in that the rotating device is stationary and comprises one or more stationary, elastic rotating elements (221-225, 231-235), which are suitable for orienting a container (203) in a specified direction.