Gripper Cooperation for Hygienic Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container processing installations face difficulties in cleaning the roller-cam systems due to their complex structure and difficult access, which is particularly problematic in the food industry where hygiene standards are stringent.
Innovation Solution
The installation uses a simplified holding device design with pairs of jaws that cooperate to transfer containers between platforms, eliminating the need for roller-cam systems and allowing easier access and cleaning, featuring a pin and operating finger mechanism for jaw movement and a leaf spring for returning the jaws to the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roller-cam systems are used to control holding device operation, then the holding device can be actuated, but the structure becomes complex and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the roller-cam system from the holding device actuation mechanism. Instead of using complex roller-cam systems, the invention uses a simpler direct actuation mechanism where the mobile jaw is connected to the platform through a pivot axis, allowing the platform's rotation to directly actuate the jaw opening and closing without intermediate cam mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a cam to push the roller and thereby actuate the jaw, the invention inverts the approach by having the mobile jaw directly pivot on the platform, so that the platform's rotational movement directly drives the jaw movement in the opposite direction of traditional cam-roller actuation.
2Ease of operation
If roller-cam systems are used to control holding device operation, then the holding device can be actuated, but cleaning access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the roller-cam system components that create cleaning obstacles. By eliminating the cam tracks and rollers, the invention exposes the jaw actuation points and pivot areas, making them easily accessible to cleaning circuits and operators for regular maintenance and hygiene compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is segmented into distinct components (fixed jaw, mobile jaw, pivot axis) that are easily separated and accessed. The mobile jaw's direct pivot connection to the platform allows cleaning circuits to access all surfaces without navigating around complex cam mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the movable jaw is connected to the platform for cam actuation, then the holding device functions properly, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting the mobile jaw to the platform through a complex cam actuation mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by having the mobile jaw directly pivot on the platform with a simple axis connection. This direct pivot connection maintains functional reliability while dramatically simplifying the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile jaw is designed with dynamic movement capability through the pivot axis, allowing it to freely open and close as the platform rotates. This dynamic connection replaces the constrained, multi-component cam actuation system with a simple, reliable rotational joint that maintains jaw functionality throughout the platform's rotation cycle.
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
This design simplifies the installation, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances reliability, and facilitates easier cleaning and maintenance, while maintaining effective container handling and hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged to return the movable jaw to the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an installation comprising a first platform (101) provided with a first holding device comprising a first pair of grippers and a second platform (102) provided with a second holding device comprising a second pair of grippers, each pair of grippers comprising a fixed gripper and a mobile gripper (11) mounted on the fixed gripper so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position, an elastic element connecting the two grippers to bring the mobile gripper back to the closed position. According to the invention, the two pairs of grippers are provided with means for the cooperation (21, 30) thereof, in order to allow the transfer of the container from one platform to another by means of the cooperation of pairs of grippers.