Elastic Wing Bottle Support with Bayonet Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle support devices in filling and closing machines lack axial stability and efficient gripping mechanisms, leading to oscillation and displacement of bottles during processing, which can hinder proper filling and closing operations.
Innovation Solution
A bottle support device featuring an elongated body with bayonet coupling for secure attachment to a machine carousel, and pairs of elastic wings that snap onto the bottle due to elastic deformation, ensuring firm gripping and axial stability, along with disengagement mechanisms for easy release and adaptability to different bottle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pliers or forks are used to grip the bottle neck, then the bottle can be supported during filling and closing, but the gripping is not firm enough, causing oscillation and displacement of the bottle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gripping system (pliers/forks) with an elastic deformation-based gripping system. The wings are designed to deform elastically when pushed against the bottle, creating a snap-fit engagement that provides more reliable and firm gripping compared to rigid mechanical grippers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the gripping components from rigid to elastic during operation. The wings transition from a deformed state (when pushed against the bottle) to a recovered state (providing gripping force), utilizing elastic parameter changes to achieve firm and stable gripping.
2Ease of operation
If traditional gripping means are used, then bottle support is provided, but disengagement of the bottle is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the bottle is pushed against the wings during insertion, the elastic deformation of the wings automatically creates the gripping force. To disengage, the bottle is simply pulled away, and the wings' elastic recovery automatically releases the grip, eliminating the need for additional disengagement actions.
3Reliability
If the gripping means are made more complex to improve gripping firmness, then bottle stability increases, but the device structure becomes more complex, making cleaning and maintenance more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is segmented into simple, discrete components: an elongated body and multiple pairs of wings. Each wing pair operates independently, and the entire gripping mechanism can be removed as a single unit from the carousel. This segmentation simplifies cleaning and maintenance while maintaining reliable gripping through the elastic wing design.
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 provides enhanced axial stability and rapid gripping/release operations, facilitating efficient filling and closing while allowing easy cleaning, sanitization, and quick installation/maintenance, ensuring reliable and cost-effective bottle support.
Implementation Method 1
the wings are aimed at snap receiving, due to a prefixed push and to a consequent elastic deformation, at least a portion of a bottle
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 4A
Figure 5
AI summary
In a support device for bottles processed on a bottle filling and closing machine, a substantially elongated body (1) has a bayonet coupling (4) at a bottom part for connecting the device (100) to a rotary conveyor of the machine. An upper lateral portion of the body (1) has gripping wings (2), for receiving resiliently a bottle (3), introduced between the wings by pushing the bottle at a matching point between an auger conveyor for conveying the bottles and the rotary conveyor.