Expanding Collet Assembly for High-Speed Paper Closure Seaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment for seaming metal ends to containers is incompatible with paper-based end closures, leading to recyclability issues and environmental waste due to the inability to separate paper-based containers from metal closures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for applying paper-based end closures to composite containers using an assembly module with a chuck, expanding collet, and actuator, which allows for high-speed assembly and integration with existing metal end seamers, ensuring compatibility and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal closures are seamed onto containers, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but recyclability is compromised due to inability to separate metal from paper-based containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metal closure from the container sealing system and replaces it with a paper-based end closure. This extraction eliminates the recyclability problem by removing the incompatible metal component, allowing the entire container assembly to be recycled through paper streams while maintaining hermetic sealing through the paper-based closure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the closure from metal to paper-based materials. This parameter change enables the closure to be compatible with paper-based container recycling streams while still achieving the required hermetic sealing function through appropriate paper construction and sealing mechanisms.
2Productivity
If existing metal end seaming equipment is used, then high-speed assembly is achieved, but compatibility with paper-based closures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the existing metal end seaming equipment to handle both metal and paper-based closures. By making the equipment universal, it can process different closure materials through the same high-speed seaming mechanism, maintaining productivity while gaining compatibility with recyclable paper-based closures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If paper-based end closures are used, then recyclability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to unique challenges of handling flexible non-metal closures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary holding and positioning mechanism between the closure feed and the seaming apparatus. This intermediary system manages the flexibility of paper-based closures by providing controlled support and alignment, simplifying the overall handling process while enabling the use of recyclable paper materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assembling a container and closure comprising an expanding collet which has a plurality of pivoting collet segments, each configured to simultaneously pivot radially outward about a pivot point. The collet comprises a lip that is engagable with the rim of the open end of the container and an angled tip positioned radially inward from the lip and shaped to press a countersink portion of the closure against an interior wall of the container as the collet segments pivot radially outward. As the container and the chuck are brought together, the rim engages with the lips of the collet segments and causes the angled tips of the collet segments to pivot outward toward the interior wall of the container, thereby pushing the countersink portion of the closure against the interior wall of the container.