Flip-Top Vial Adapter for Bottling Line Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bottling lines are inefficient in filling and capping flip-top vials due to the lack of rotational orientation and spacing, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in processing.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that holds flip-top vials, allowing them to be oriented and spaced correctly for efficient filling and capping, comprising a receiving portion with a shelf to maintain the lid in an open position and a tail portion for conveyor alignment, enabling automated handling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional bottling lines are used for filling and capping flip-top vials, then the existing equipment can process standard bottles, but the throughput rate and efficiency are significantly reduced due to lack of rotational orientation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the conventional bottling line and the flip-top vial. It provides the missing rotational orientation capability and proper spacing without requiring modification of the existing bottling line equipment. The adapter includes a receiving portion for the vial body, a shelf portion to hold the lid in open position, and a tail portion for conveyor alignment, enabling high-speed automated processing while maintaining compatibility with standard equipment.
2Reliability
If flip-top vials are processed on conventional conveyors, then the vials can be transported, but they cannot be properly oriented rotationally and may tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter performs preliminary orientation and positioning actions before the vial enters the filling and capping stations. The receiving portion cradles the vial body, the shelf portion positions the lid at the correct angle, and the tail portion aligns the vial with the conveyor direction. This preliminary preparation ensures the vial remains stable and properly oriented throughout subsequent processing steps.
3Productivity
If the lid of a flip-top vial is held in open position for filling, then the product can be filled efficiently, but the lid must be precisely positioned and maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter's shelf portion is designed to automatically engage and hold the lid in the correct open position during filling. The shelf provides a physical stop and support surface that maintains the lid at the precise angle needed for efficient filling. After filling, the lid can be easily released and moved to the closed position without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is configured to hold a flip-top vial. The vial includes a body and a lid. The body of the vial has a base and a sidewall extending therefrom. The body defines an interior including a product space configured for housing at least one product and having an opening leading to the interior. The lid is configured to be attached to the sidewall by a hinge. The adapter includes a receiving portion having an opening configured to receive the body, and a base portion extending from the receiving portion. The base portion has a shelf portion proximate the opening. The shelf portion is configured to engage the lid of the vial when the lid is in a predetermined opened position in order to maintain the lid in the predetermined opened position with respect to the body.