Elastic Vial Holders for Conveying Mixed Bottle Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bottle conveyors are limited to cylindrical bottles of identical shape and size, making them unsuitable for diverse commercial bottles, such as spices and condiments, and unable to support the weight of glass bottles, requiring content transfer into specialized vials.
Innovation Solution
The conveyor features bottle supports with elastic slats that can adapt to various shapes and weights, including spice mills, by forming a ring with horizontal plates and vertical slats that deviate from the axis of rotation, and includes a stop ring, orientation stud, and a telescopic battery tray for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bottle supports with fixed cylindrical shape are used, then bottles of identical shape can be conveyed, but the conveyor cannot accommodate bottles of varied shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle support is divided into multiple independent elastic slats (at least three slats) that can move relative to each other. Each slat can independently adapt to the shape of the bottle, allowing the support to accommodate various bottle geometries while maintaining structural simplicity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The slats are designed to be elastic and capable of deviating from the axis of rotation of the plate, allowing dynamic adaptation to different bottle shapes and sizes. This dynamic flexibility enables the same support structure to handle diverse bottle types without increasing overall device complexity
2Strength
If conventional rigid bottle supports are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the conveyor cannot support the weight of heavy glass bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle support uses elastic slats that function as flexible structural elements. These slats can flexibly deform to accommodate heavy glass bottles while maintaining structural integrity, providing the necessary strength and weight-bearing capacity without requiring complex rigid support mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic slats are integrated directly into the bottle support structure, combining the functions of structural support, weight-bearing, and shape adaptation into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bottle supports without elastic deformation capability are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the conveyor cannot adapt to various commercial bottle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The slats are designed with specific elastic properties and geometric parameters (at least three slats, specific thickness reductions at junctions) that enable automatic adaptation to various bottle configurations. These parameter optimizations allow the supports to be manufactured using standard processes while achieving versatile adaptability through carefully controlled physical properties
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 the storage and movement of a wide range of bottle types without the need for content transfer, ensuring secure holding and direct access to labels, while accommodating different weights and shapes, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
vertical slats, forming a ring, capable of deviating elastically with respect to the axis of rotation of the plate
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a conveyor consisting of a plate with a closed-loop track along which the vials are driven in a continuous manner in holders arranged so as to be in free contact with each other in order to form a continuous stream along said track, characterised in that each holder comprises a horizontal platen (72) to which is connected a plurality of vertical blades (72) forming a ring and capable of elastically moving away from the rotational axis of the platen, the inner surfaces thereof being intended for bearing against the periphery of a vial.