Freeze-Drier Container Stopper Reducing Activation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stopping devices require a significant force to close the neck of containers with smaller diameters, such as 13 mm, which is economically undesirable when sealing a batch of containers in a freeze-drier, as the combined thrust force is weak and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A stopping device with a handling body and ring mechanism that minimizes the necessary force to activate the locking mechanism, featuring a cylindrical surface with a constant radius and an outwardly-inclined, radially inwardly-facing surface to reduce friction and a locking tab design that allows for flexible activation with a calibrated force, enabling efficient closure of multiple containers simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common pressure plate divides thrust force over multiple stopping devices, then a batch of containers can be closed simultaneously, but the force intensity on each stopping device becomes weak (25 Newtons for classic freeze-driers)
Solution Approach 1:
The handling body is designed with a mobile first position and an immobilized second position, creating a dynamic system that transitions from force transmission to locking engagement. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to varying force conditions while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of force transmission by introducing a calibrated force mechanism that activates the locking means at a specific force threshold. This parameter change allows the stopping device to function effectively with reduced force intensity while maintaining batch closure capability.
2Reliability
If the handling body is immobilized in the second position to activate locking means, then secure sealing is achieved, but friction increases during the transition from first to second position
Solution Approach 1:
The handling body acts as an intermediary element between the pressure plate and the locking means. It receives the distributed thrust force in its first mobile position and transitions to activate the locking means in its second immobilized position, mediating the force transmission to reduce friction and activation force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping device is segmented into distinct functional components: the handling body for force reception and transmission, the locking means for sealing security, and the connection between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall friction and force requirements.
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 solution reduces the intensity of force required to bring the handling body into its locking position, allowing for efficient closure of a large number of containers with a calibrated force, ensuring proper sealing while maintaining mechanical resistance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The handling body comprises a first cylindrical surface with a constant radius or in the shape of an outwardly-inclined, radially inwardly-facing surface arranged facing the ring retainers of the ring, on the course of travel of the handling body between its first and second positions, and a second cylindrical surface with a constant radius or in the shape of an outwardly-inclined, radially inwardly-facing surface arranged facing the locking means of the ring, on the course of travel of the handling body between its first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
A stopper device including a stopper, cap and ring provided with tabs for locking onto a container neck and a body for handling the ring. The body includes a first mechanism for transmitting a thrust force to the ring and a second mechanism for activating the tabs. The ring and the handling body are respectively provided with first and second retainers that hold the handling body in a waiting position. The handling body is mobile parallel to the thrust force direction and in relation to the ring, between a first position activating the tabs of the ring and is mobile in translation only in the thrust force direction, and a second position that also activates the tabs and is immobilized in relation to the ring in axial translation. The tabs extend from a continuous edge of the ring and are each arranged in an opening with a closed contour.