Automated Flip-Top Tube Opener With Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of flip tubes is challenging due to the need for significant force to open them, which can result in abrupt opening and potential spilling of liquids, exacerbated by negative pressure changes during lid detachment.
Innovation Solution
A tool device with an actuating plunger that applies an opening torque to the flip tube lid and a damping device to control the opening movement, reducing the sudden release of the container opening and allowing for automated operation without direct operator contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If significant force is applied to open the flip tube to overcome the latching mechanism, then the lid section can be opened from the closed position, but the flip tube opens abruptly causing shaking and potential spilling of the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping device that exerts a damping moment on the cover section during the opening process. This damping moment counteracts the abrupt release of negative pressure and controls the opening speed, preventing liquid spilling and shaking while still allowing the lid to be opened with reasonable force.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device provides preliminary anti-action by exerting a damping moment in the opposite direction to the opening moment before the lid fully opens. This preliminary counter-action controls the opening movement and prevents the harmful abrupt opening effect while maintaining the ability to overcome the latching mechanism.
2Reliability
If the lid section is locked to the container body to secure its position in the closed position, then the flip tube remains securely closed, but a significant force has to be applied to open it
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating plunger serves as an intermediary that transfers and amplifies the opening force. It applies force to the actuating section, which then transmits this force to the lid section through the lid pivot axis, enabling the opening of the securely latched lid with controlled and reduced opening force at the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a damping device that dynamically adjusts the opening process. The damping moment varies during the opening movement, providing higher resistance when needed to control the opening speed and lower resistance to allow the lid to fully open, thus reducing the overall opening force requirement while maintaining closure security.
3Extent of automation
If the actuating section is positioned away from the container opening to enable tool-based operation, then automated operation is enabled, but the opening moment must be transmitted through a longer lever arm reducing mechanical advantage
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating plunger acts as an intermediary that directly applies force to the actuating section at its optimal position away from the container opening. This enables automated operation while the plunger's mechanical design compensates for the reduced mechanical advantage by providing sufficient actuating force to overcome the latching mechanism and initiate lid opening.
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
Facilitates safe and controlled opening of flip tubes, reducing the risk of liquid spillage and contamination by applying a controlled torque and damping moment, enabling automated operation with reduced force requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device which is designed to exert a damping moment on the cover section at least during a portion of the actuation of the actuation section by the actuation plunger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tool device (12) for the automated opening of flip-top tubes (16), that is to say of containers having a container interior (17) accessible through a container opening, wherein the container opening is optionally closable by a container lid (22), which container lid is pivotable about a lid pivot axis (D) between an opening position in which the container interior (17) is accessible through the container opening, and a closed position in which the container opening is closed by the container lid (22), wherein the container lid (22), on one side of the lid pivot axis (D), has a lid section (24) optionally releasing or closing the container opening and on the respective other side of the lid pivot axis (D) has an actuation section (26) connected to the lid section (24) for conjoint movement, the actuation of which actuation section, in an opening direction (O) effects a pivot of the lid section (24) from a position relatively close to the closed position, preferably from the closed position itself, to a position relatively close to the opening position, preferably into the opening position itself, wherein the device (12) has an actuation punch (34) which is provided and constructed for displacing the actuation section (26) at least in the open direction (O) and thereby for exerting an opening moment on the lid section (24), and wherein the device further has a damping appliance (42) which is constructed in order to exert a damping moment on the container lid (22), in particular onto the lid section (24), at least during a section of the actuation of the actuation section (26) by the actuation punch (34), which damping moment, compared with the opening moment, is smaller in amount and in the opposite direction.