Extractor Machine Gripper Mechanism for Metering Valve Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container recycling systems are unable to efficiently automate the removal of metering valves from bottles with external coupling collars, requiring manual intervention and additional cutting tools, and are not adaptable to bottles with internal metering valves.
Innovation Solution
An automated extractor machine with a gripper mechanism and rotary carousel design that can remove metering valves from containers with both external and internal configurations, using jaws that move between closed and open configurations to engage and extract the valve, allowing for efficient and versatile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual removal method is used, then metering valve can be removed from bottles, but production time increases and manpower requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction head uses a self-actuating mechanism where the gripper jaws automatically open upon engaging the metering valve, allowing the valve to be pulled out without manual intervention. The system performs the removal operation autonomously through coordinated mechanical movements of the gripper and extraction head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual knife-based mechanical removal system with an automated gripper-based extraction mechanism. The gripper uses clamping force and pulling motion to remove the metering valve, substituting the cutting and breaking operations with a simpler mechanical extraction process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting tools are used for different bottle types, then various metering valve configurations can be handled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism is designed with universal applicability to handle both external coupling collars and internal metering valves. The same gripper structure can adapt to different valve configurations by adjusting its closing position and engagement method, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cutting tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction head and gripper are designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different bottle and valve configurations. The gripper jaws can adjust their closing position and engagement depth to accommodate various metering valve types, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extractor machine is designed for external coupling collars, then those specific valves can be removed, but internal metering valves cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed with segmented jaws that can independently position and engage different parts of the metering valve assembly. The jaws can separately target the external coupling collar or the internal valve body, allowing the same mechanism to handle both configurations through selective engagement of different structural elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Extractor machine for removing a metering valve (2) from containers, the extractor machine comprises a fixed support structure (8) and at least one extraction head (10), which is mounted on the fixed support structure (8) and comprises at least one gripper (11) provided with a support body (12) and two jaws (13). The jaws (13) are mechanically connected in a guided manner to the support body (12) and each comprise a gripping portion (14). The extraction head (10) further comprises movement means (15) arranged at least for moving the jaws (13) between a closed configuration, in which the gripping portions (14) are brought close to each other in order to cross the metering valve (2), and an open configuration, in which the gripping portions (14) are moved away from each other in order to mechanically engage the metering valve (2).