Gripper Arms with Radial Actuating Element for Container Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container transfer systems in bottling plants face inefficiencies due to the need for laborious adaptation procedures when handling containers of varying shapes and sizes, leading to production downtime and misalignment issues, and are limited in accommodating non-circular bases and requiring complex mechanical designs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a turntable with grippers that have intersecting arms and a radial actuating element, allowing for rapid opening and closing to center containers of different shapes and sizes, and includes adjustable second turntables to accommodate varying container heights, ensuring precise alignment with operating machine heads without the need for extensive adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gripper-type conveying means are used to handle containers of varying sizes, then the apparatus can accommodate different container dimensions, but adjustment operations are required that cause production downtime and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable gripper arms with variable positioning mechanisms that can adapt their configuration in real-time to accommodate different container sizes and shapes. The arms can be repositioned along the gripper structure without requiring complete system stoppage, allowing continuous operation while maintaining adaptability to various container formats
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes adjustable parameters such as gripper arm angle, position, and opening/closing force that can be modified to suit different container types. These parameter changes enable the same gripper mechanism to handle diverse containers without physical reconfiguration or downtime for mechanical adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex cam mechanisms and control devices are used to adjust gripper angles, then containers of different diameters can be retained, but the constructional complexity increases and may give rise to faults or malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex cam mechanisms and frustoconical cam systems from the gripper actuation system. Instead, it employs simpler direct-actuation mechanisms such as motors or pneumatic cylinders that provide angular adjustment without requiring intricate mechanical linkages, thereby reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical cam-follower systems with alternative actuation methods such as electric motors, servos, or pneumatic actuators that can achieve the same angular positioning function with fewer mechanical components. This substitution reduces constructional complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust gripper angles for different container diameters
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grippers are used, then circular-based containers can be conveyed, but containers with non-circular bases such as square, rectangular or triangular cannot be retained and centred correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper structure is divided into multiple independently adjustable arms rather than a single rigid gripper. Each arm can be positioned and angled separately to match the geometry of non-circular container bases, allowing precise contact points to be established for square, rectangular, or triangular containers, thereby achieving accurate centering and retention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs asymmetric gripper arm configurations that can be adjusted to match the asymmetric geometry of non-circular containers. The arms can be positioned at different angles and distances from the center, enabling proper engagement with containers that have non-circular bases and ensuring correct centering during conveyance
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 solution enables versatile and efficient container transfer across bottling plants, reducing production downtime and improving operational reliability by allowing seamless handling of containers with diverse shapes and sizes, including non-circular bases, while simplifying the apparatus's construction and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The latter comprises a frustoconical cam which acts on a cam follower mechanically coupled with the vertical rod by means of lever mechanisms and resilient means. In operational terms, the cam causes a radial displacement of the follower away from or towards the central axis
Implementation Method 2
resilient means
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for transferring containers, comprising a first turntable (6) and a plurality of first grippers (7) mounted peripherally on said first turntable (6). Each first gripper (7) is provided with at least two first arms (9) which can be actuated by first actuator means so as to rotate about different first pins (10) between a first open position, where the first arms (9) receive or release a container, and one first closed position, to hold the container. Each first arm (9) is provided with a slot (15) aligned with the slot of at least one other first arm (9) of the same first gripper (7). The first arms (9) are connected together by means of a first actuating element (14) which is engaged inside the aligned slots (15) and is movable so as to rotate the first arms (9) between the first open position and the first closed position.